Then again, they just might increase a subsidy to the poorest in the nation. That will still leave the rip-off energy companies with a licence to empty our pockets at will. But that's what capitalism is all about.

This Government has proved itself again and again to be the sweetheart of the exploiters and not the exploited. The rich get richer and the rest of us get ripped off.

New fuel prices have no justification other than galloping greed. They will increase levels of poverty to substantial levels. They will put factories and companies out of business, increase unemployment levels, leading to more house repossessions.

Thatcher sold off the nation's energy assets at knock down prices. We've been paying rip-off prices for them ever since. Now the rip-off mode is soon to go into overdrive.

The answer is to renationalise; bring the energy companies back into state ownership. This move would be abundantly popular with consumers; paying realistic prices; decreasing poverty rather than increasing it.

Cliff Wright, High Matlock Road, Sheffiled 6

Use courthouse for markets

I HAVE said for years that the Old Courthouse should be used, as it is a lovely building and it was going to waste.

It could be made into a grand market and shopping mall as we are losing our markets and shops to the Moor.

Poeple at this end of town don't want to travel down to the Moor. We should have the option of staying in the main part of town.

There are enough flats and offices that are standing empty for months, sometimes more than a year.

Plus there are too many flats being built in town and not enough decent shoping areas.

These buildings are giant glass boxes which look horrible now, never mind in 10 years' time.

I hope whoever buys the court building will keep it looking like it is and put the inside to good use, please no more flats and offices that poeple cannot afford, as they are ugly looking buildings that we can do without. Give us our shops back.

K Homar

Concern over future of The Star

I READ with concern of the current national difficulties with regional and local press and how our very important 'Sheffield Star' is no exception to this situation.

As a Labour Councillor I definitely don't always agree with what The Star might say about us, but I am absolutely certain that it needs to be there to say it!

The Labour Party in Sheffield is keen to support the paper in whatever way we can because an independent local paper is good for democracy and I hope that The Star continues to keep us informed and entertained.

Coun Jan Wilson, Labour Leader, Sheffield City Council

n Editor's Note: The Star is proud to have served the people of Sheffield for more than 100 years and fully intends to continue keeping readers up to date with news and views from their communities for years to come.