I find the letter from Paul Stephenson to be more than a little hypocritical.

The slave trade, in which Edward Colston became involved, took place 300 years ago. However, Mr. Stephenson has made a very successful career out of keeping it, together with the race issue, a 'boil' on Bristol's history.

How can he be so unsympathetic toward the name of a man who has helped to provide him with a livelihood?

He does not say, in his letter, if he and his wife showed their displeasure at the apparent exclusion of ethnic minorities at the Colston Hall event by walking out.

I am also surprised that he found it acceptable to become an Honorary Freeman of the city that he holds in such contempt.

If he really felt so strongly about the evils of slavery, which is still alive in many parts of Africa (and Europe), his efforts would have been of greater use in Africa than in the comfort and safety of an office in Bristol.

History cannot be erased no matter how hard we may try.

David Stone.

It is interesting how Paul Stephenson's comments about the opening of Colston Hall have been misunderstood.

Mr. Stephenson was highlighting how the abolitionist Thomas Clarkson worked for the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire and for the rights of Bristol sailors who were treated so badly by the trade.

Unfortunately Edward Colston spent much of his life fighting in Parliament to expand the slave trade for the benefit of the Merchant Venturers. He did nothing to improve the conditions of the slaves or the sailors in the trade. In my opinion, the fact that he donated some of the profits earned off the backs of West Africans and Bristol sailors to the city does not make him worthy of his status as a 'city father'. In contrast, as Mr. Stephenson noted, Thomas Clarkson is someone we can be proud of as he fought for the rights and freedoms of all peoples', both black and white. A far better symbol for the 21st century than a businessman stained by the mistreatment of West Africans and Bristol sailors.

I would urge readers to visit the Seven Stars pub on Thomas Lane to look at the beautiful plaque which was recently unveiled to commemorate the meeting of Thomas Clarkson and Bristol sailors in 1787. The money for this plaque was raised by Bristolians (not from the public purse) and marks some history we can all be proud of.

L. Parsons.