how to create a link to a controller?

[eluser]Unknown[/eluser]
So I've just started using codeigniter again after about a 2 year break. I'm having a real problem with creating a link to a different controller. In essence, my home page loads fine. When I create a link to a new controller I am either getting a 404 error or a 403 error.

<a href='&lt;?=base_url()?&gt;controllers/news'>

any suggestions?

thanks,

alan