We were saddened by former councillor Pat Walker's divisive and ill-considered letter (Lift The Veil, 23.10.06).

We believe it is the responsibility of those in any form of leadership role to help unite the diverse groups in Middlesbrough and to create a healthy, caring and whole community, irrespective of race, colour or creed.

Pat Walker's use of angry and intemperate language is particularly unhelpful at a time of great sensitivity on an issue such as the veil.

She asks for "do-gooders" to be shouted down, whatever that may mean, and refers to "howling mobs" which is a phenomenon conspicuous in Middlesbrough by its absence.

Pat Walker goes on to totally misrepresent Jack Straw's comments. She seems to believe he is standing up for the majority of British people against the minority. He is doing no such thing.

He wanted to make a point about a mode of dress, which can, he said, make understanding and communication between people much more difficult. We also believe that it does.

However, we also believe that the choice of one's clothes has to be based on the principle of freedom of choice for the individual concerned.

We also recognise there may be exceptions to this rule, particularly in the workplace where it might be considered that a particular mode of dress is inappropriate. When this applies, common sense has to prevail.

We cannot find any solid arguments either in the Koran or the Bible that would suggest various modes of dress are either a necessity or intrinsically wrong.