ON Thursday February 2, I had reason to visit the QMC and I was appalled at the amount of litter and rubbish in the gutters outside the front entrance.

There were two men with grabber sticks and plastic bags.

There was also standing water because the drainage grates were clogged up with sludge.

I found the toilets in the front entrance were closed for refurbishment.

Then to top it all off on going into the X-ray department the carpet in the waiting area looked to me as though someone had just stepped in from a building site. It was covered in sandy footprints.

I thought hospitals were supposed to be hygienic places?

C HALLAM

Central Avenue

Chilwell

COUNCILLOR Graham Chapman's statement that the referendum for an independent mayor for Nottingham will cost £1 million sounds to me overinflated.

Elections are always held in public buildings, schools etc – the council will not have to buy premises, so no cost there.

The polling stations will be supervised by council staff, as will the staff who count the votes, so apart from some overtime payments and taxis to carry the voting boxes to and from the polling stations, the £80,000 offered by the Government seems quite sufficient.

The city council seem to me to be terrified that an independent mayor will disrupt the comfortable arrangement that the Labour council, with their large majority, can do what they want, for Nottingham is "their town".

An independent mayor with executive powers may perhaps be another "Robin Hood", who takes from the rich (the city council) and gives to the poor (the ratepayers).

DEREK NAYLOR

Canalside

Beeston

WE have just visited the Djanogly Art Gallery at the University Park to see the exhibition of Lowry paintings and drawings and it was just amazing. We are truly honoured here in Nottingham to see such a wonderful display of his work.

The exhibition has been extended so many times as it has been so popular. I would urge everybody to go and see it!

IRENE HARDMAN

Church Street

Ruddington

REPLYING to Nigel Starbuck's letter "Euro is a disaster and dollar will struggle next", February 3) regarding the dollar and its long-term future. He fails to realise that America has a vast amount of resources and assets that far outweigh any other country and can print and devalue as it pleases.

How many companies can be named in this country on a par with Apple, Microsoft and Facebook. America is a country of winners unlike Europe who are trapped in a time warp.

JONATHAN HARRIS

Lovell Close

Hempshill Vale

IF all the billions handed over to the EU over the past 35 years had been spent on the U.K. and its citizens, just imagine what Britain's position would be in the world today.

A.J. ASKEW

Waveney Close

Arnold

WHEN it was announced the Prime Minister was to visit the President of the United States; I sincerely hope that Mr Cameron does not get up to mischief by committing the UK to military conflicts, like Tony Blair did.

Especially, when commentators stress the importance of the special relationship between the two nations, adding it will be an opportunity to recall the valour and sacrifice of the US and UK armed forces.

Such sentimentality was truly apt for the Great, and Second, World Wars, but the gravitas of later conflicts is questionable? The USA may have been the world's policeman once. Not any more. Latterly its actions resemble a pariah state.

The tradition of standing with America is not advisable, as the US is no better than a militarised bully, seeking regime changes throughout the world to commandeer resources for their own prosperity.

Politicians on each side of the Atlantic, claim the visit will strengthen our economic links, which contribute to millions of jobs for both nations. That declaration needs scrutinising.

Remember the US and UK embraced globalisation at the expense of scores of factory closures and 100,000s of job losses. Outsourcing complete industries was endorsed by all creeds of the political elite.

Throughout, Mr Obama's presidency, US manufactures have received millions of dollars, which should have created 10,000s of jobs for Americans.

Instead most companies invested the subsidies in their Far Eastern subsidiaries. Leaving America with a mega unemployment crisis not seen since the Great Depression.

America is not the grand nation perceived by propaganda, as many of its large manufacturing cities and towns are deserted. Factories are standing derelict; the remaining inhabitants are reduced to soup kitchens and selling scrap machinery to survive. The UK must be denied a similar future.

NIGEL J STARBUCK

Carnarvon Close

Bingham

I write today to congratulate and thank a group of sixth formers from Carlton le Willows school in Gedling for their mammoth efforts in raising money for charities close to their heart. These are a fabulous group of teenagers who give up time money and effort without question. Last year they raised £7,900 to split between their chosen charities.

This is likely to be beaten again this year by the current sixth formers!

They also took 25 boxes of food and toys to the Salvation Army at Christmas time to be distributed among people less fortunate than themselves.

The reason I write is that I believe this contribution to their own society should be recognised and congratulated. I am inordinately proud of these teenagers, and hopefully from the rest of Nottingham thank you and keep up the good work!

If you would like more details of how the pupils raise these enormous amounts I am happy to forward more contact details to you, it may be that an article in the paper would be a great thank you to them!

MRS EILEEN ROSE

Main Street

Burton Joyce