Sir, - The article in last week's D&S on the future of Northallerton, with Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, paying Paul Comerford of Consultants WSP to improve the town, stated that the High Street on market days with the vans along it looks grim.

Well, I hope someone lets this expert know that Northallerton is a working market town.

Would he prefer to clutter the car park with 80 vans? Or park them out of town and the traders get a taxi back in?

These vans also provide valuable shelter in strong winds, and a stock base, especially for fruit and vegetable stalls.

What about the chaos of this fleet of vans and trucks all coming back on to the High Street at 3.30 together?

We all like to see a pretty and clean town. Perhaps we could send the vans to Camberwick Green?

I know several towns where the vans are not left on the market; all have deteriorated badly, and Wetherby, Leeds and Ripon are half their original size.

Northallerton is vibrant and healthy and in my opinion it is due to a lack of interference from so-called experts.

R GREEN

Market trader,

South Stainley,

Harrogate.

Better uses

Sir, - I refer to the report stating that Hambleton District Council plans to spend £141,000 on improvements to the Civic Centre (D&S, Oct 31).

I think that Hambleton District Council would be better advised in investing money in the people they represent, namely the council tax payers .

Two items that immediately spring to mind are the CCTV system which is poorly staffed and does not justify the large amount of public money currently invested in the scheme, and, from a more local viewpoint, I am concerned with the lack of facilities for the youth of Northallerton.

Hambleton District Council would gain more credibility by assisting in combating crime and disorder and, for once, looking after its youth culture.

Coun ANDREW WAKE

Northallerton Town Council,

Rose Cottages,

Northallerton.