Commiserations to Waquar Azmi on failing in his bid to become an MP.

He will now surely have time as executive director of Worcester Racial Equality Council to join with the Evening News on my "mission to Oldham" suggestion (You Say, June 4).

I spent five years of the Second World War at home and abroad.

I wore the fleur-de-lys cap badge of the Manchester Regiment and am dismayed by what is happening in Oldham.

One further question. Why is it that during February, March and April, 2001, I was hearing from friends up north that "Oldham is about to blow" because of continuing incidents of race-hate and anti-white riots?

But there was very little mention by the media or politicians until last month, when the people of Oldham endured Britain's worst race riots for 15 years.

F L JONES, Malvern.