REGARDING the letter by T Porteus (HAS, Nov 21) about Northallerton.

Northallerton has declined since the late 1960s when a compulsory purchase order was made over central properties for an inner ring road. We are still waiting more than 40 years later.

The town is now gridlocked with queues caused by trains at Low Gates carrying wood pulp etc to generate electricity.

The bus station was closed a few years ago, followed by the public toilets. Now the car policy changes.

There is one good thing left - the hospital which served the best attention and good when cooked on site. We find it better to shop at Bishop Auckland and will continue to do so.

DR Sanderson, Hurworth