12 MARCH 1988, Page 24

Asunder

Sir: Reading your otherwise interesting leading article 'An affordable strike' (13 February) I was struck by an error all the more remarkable for being so lightly made. It innocently revealed a chasm of ignor- ance about the North.

I refer to your suggestion that Sunder- land is on Tyneside.

Despite administrative pretences to the contrary, Newcastle and Sunderland have long been rivals. To confuse them is like confusing Glasgow and Edinburgh or Leeds and Sheffield. The Tyne is still viewed locally as a significant border. South of the Tyne belongs very much to the Durham tradition of which Sunderland is a part.

Richard Sim 34 Southend Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire