I am surprised to see an article on "crumbling classrooms" (27 December) with no mention of one of the coalition government's first acts – axing Labour's Building Schools for the Future programme. As a result, four schools in Amber Valley in desperate need of renovation – and with rebuilding plans ready to go – were left in limbo. In my first year as an MP we got rid of Victorian outside toilets in many of our primary schools – and went on to improve many "crumbling" schools. We can't stop investing in our infrastructure – our children deserve better.
Judy Mallaber
Amber Valley MP 1997-2010
• A young man is killed on a crowded street (Report, 27 December) and an employee of a shop forced to close says: "We are being quite badly affected – we are unlikely to open again today." When did our priorities go so badly wrong? What chance the "big society" now?
Etta Geras
Norwich
• Your editorial (27 December) perpetuates the myth that we should all rush around on Boxing Day spending money we don't have on stuff we don't need. What is wrong with devoting the day to appreciating what we've got, gossiping with the neighbours and having a break?
Wendy Tagg
Uckfield, East Sussex
• A full biography of John Martin (Letters, 26 December) was published in 1923, written by my great-aunt Mary L Pendered at the instigation of a Mr E Wake Cook, who reckoned it was long overdue.
Philip Pendered
Tonbridge, Kent
• Stuart Parker (Letters, 27 December) says the contribution of your letters page's correspondents to his sanity and humour "cannot be understated". Harsh criticism indeed! Let us hope that in 2012 their contribution cannot be overstated.
Martin Elengorn
Teddington, Middlesex