RECENTLY, it was noted in the press that £3 billion is being hoarded by the unelected quangos which decide where the lottery money is to be distributed.

Do the people who play the lottery realise this?

The lottery is fast becoming a politician's lottery, used by them in helping to build edifices like the Dome that most of the population did not wish to visit or who could not afford the trip to London.

The lottery money must be spent for the good of the people as it was meant to be but spent now, not hoarded for years.

There are too many good causes in need of this money. It must not be used as a political football. I use the word football, as I have a suspicion the lottery money will be pillaged to help pay for a new stadium and it will again be in London.

Spending some of this hoarded money now will not only benefit the applicants, but will also provide jobs and help the economy.

I am also sure that applicants for lottery money who are kept waiting for decisions or who are refused would like more information about the lottery and the unelected quangos. Monies should also be distributed more fairly in proportion to the amounts collected in various areas of the country.

NORMA FLATLEY, Edinburgh Drive, Oswaldtwistle.