SIR, — Your Comment (Herts Advertiser, May 8) smacks of racial bias in reporting once again about Mr and Mrs Smith at Riverbanks livery stables. It seems you are determined to stir up resentment and hatred towards them and their children. You have selecte

SIR, - Your Comment (Herts Advertiser, May 8) smacks of racial bias in reporting once again about Mr and Mrs Smith at Riverbanks livery stables. It seems you are determined to stir up resentment and hatred towards them and their children. You have selected them as though they were the blame for all Herts school placement problems and at the same time making great play on their membership of a minority group.

Had you aimed your indignation and spite at the three or four other ethnic groups which have flooded Herts and Beds I am confident that you would be facing racial incitement charges at this time.

Incidently it may interest you to know that every day, school coaches, bring a great number of students to Sir John Lawes from Bedfordshire addresses. Perhaps you did know but mentioning it would ease the pressure you are putting onto the Smith family who are obviously your chosen victims.

May I also correct a few of your facts. The Smiths as owners of the stables have every right to attend their business 24 hours a day which is in fact necessary as they have dependent animals. Living on the premises like any farmer would be entitled to do is the subject of a court ruling which allows them to be there legally until August when an appeal will be in hand.

Regarding the vehicles, there are five adults entitled to drive plus several livery customers in daily attendance and tractors etc needed in the course of the business.

I'm sure you must be smugly pleased with your newspaper's efforts.

BETTINA FISHER,

Pickford Hill, Harpenden.