True cost of coal

are protesters proclaiming ‘coal not dole’ and ranting against Margaret Thatcher’s statue seriously telling us they would want their children to work down a mine?

a friend suffered catastrophic injuries in a colliery accident, and the working conditions and lung damage affect miners for the rest of their lives. Considering restaurants and airlines can’t get staff, i don’t think people will be queuing to become a miner.

Miss P. Brown, Newcastle, Staffs.

SOMEONE should tell the ‘coal not dole’ protesters that Harold Wilson closed more coal mines than Margaret Thatcher over a similar time-frame. Will they be egging his statue in Huddersfield?

CHRIS PATE, Worcester.