THE suggestion that Drakelow Tunnels become a training centre for the unemployed is absolutely ridiculous and must be opposed. One must suspect the motives of Jericho Community Project since there are a multitude of derelict factory and other brown field sites all over the West Midlands - closer to areas of high unemployment and far more suitable.

We should be thanking Paul Stokes for his book on the tunnels, Andy Stokes and his colleagues for the work they have done to date to preserve and protect the tunnels and bring them to public attention.

Drakelow should become a museum to its use in the Second World War and the Cold War years - a dramatic period in our history that should not be forgotten.

Millions of pounds of National Lottery money have been squandered on schemes of far less merit.

Like many thousands of young men I did my National Service during the Cold War when for decades there was a delicate balance of power between East and West. Later in the early 1980s, during a period when friction built and consequently Drakelow was updated, it was felt there was an increased threat of limited conflict in Europe, possibly even escalating as far as the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

It was realised that the TA commitment would be in Europe. Therefore the new TA units were formed specifically to protect RSGs (regional seats of government) such as Drakelow and Swynnerton.

These TA Home Service Force units were recruited from older experienced TA soldiers, ex-regulars and ex-National Servicemen such as myself. I was amazed both at the diversity of regiments and corps represented in our HSF at Kidderminster and the very high degree of military skills demonstrated. Fortunately we were never called upon to put these skills to the ultimate test.

Drakelow should become a museum to its role in the 20th century and the people this involved. Since tourism is becoming increasingly important to the West Midlands economy - ie Severn Valley Railway etc - the Drakelow Tunnels Museum would be an eminently logical addition to our tourist attractions.

ROGER BRUTON

Paganel Drive

Dudley