He’s kidding with goat name

IT’S not very often that I am left speechless when I dutifully pick up my copy of the Telegraph – but I must admit I was beyond gobsmacked when I opened Friday’s copy while tucking into my tea and toast.

There, gazing out from page three, was the story of a man who has a pet house goat.

This man lets the little buck live in his house in Burnley, takes it for daily walks and even takes the animal on holiday to the Lake District.

I was astonished by the story – but also a tad annoyed at the same time.

I mean, how can anyone in Burnley name a goat after Eric Cantona?

What on earth is happening to the town?

Surely the goat could and should be named after a great Claret rather than someone who played for United.

I despair.

Jeff Entwistle, via email

Home debt woe on the rise

IT WAS stated in a national survey just recently that four houses out of 20 are in some form of debt.

Money problems can have a devastating effect on a person’s and family life and many people because of the situation they are in commit suicide.

There is a website you can go to, which gives really good independent advice and that is www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk (and it can also be contacted by telephone on 0800-138-7777).

This website gives good advice on all sorts of money matters, debt, pensions, savings and insurance etc.

There are other good debt counselling agencies nationally and they are Christians against Poverty, Payplan, and the Debt Advice Foundation.

These organisations can be found on the internet and they do not charge you.

David Ball, via email

Three cheers for wine bar

RE: Wine bar coup for Colne parade

This is a welcome development.

Colne and the surrounding hinterland is mixed economically, but it is very clear that the spontaneous development of Albert Road into Colne’s ‘Restaurant Quarter’ has now reached a point of significant culinary variety, is being noticed and noted as such and thus is becoming a destination venue.

I’m very glad to see town this part of town developing in this way, which is a fine example of entrepreneurial endeavour starting to pay off.

Kevin, Colne, via web

Losing touch with basics

I READ the letter by Allan Ramsay (Britain is in crisis).

The main reason, rarely mentioned, is that people now have largely lost touch with, or rejected, their spiritual needs and instead of being content in this golden age, and thankful, they take all the blessings for granted and continue selfish and unsatisfied.

Hence the crisis.

That said, many have not gone that way, and neighbourliness is still strong here.

Jeremy Goodwin, via email

I really wanted to stay in EU

FROM comments made in some recent letters I picked up the idea that the the older folk among us voted to leave the EU in the June referendum, while younger people voted to stay. I would just point out that this is not necessarily the case. The reverse can be true - just ask my grandchildren!

P Marvin, via email

An ode to birds

Black blackbird – with your beak so yellow

You really are a splendid fellow.

He comes on the ledge outside my room

With bright eyes and takes a crumb or two

So I guess I simply adore you.

Jenny Lord , via email