Sir, - I attended the Hambleton Council planning meeting on July 3 to hear the application by Yuill to build private houses on the old council site in North Road, Stokesley.

I was there to express concerns over the builders using the Northfield Close proposed access for their building operation and to obtain answers to questions relating to parking, the height of the proposed housing and retention of trees and hedges on the site.

The council's planning officials recommended granting the application, using the North Road access for removing tons of contaminated soil and the Northfield Close access for the building operation, notwithstanding the fact that the narrow roads on the Tameside estate complement the open plan aspect of the housing, and the presence of an entrance to Stokesley Primary School in Northfield Drive.

The thought of building lorries using this route was frightening. However I am delighted to report that the committee rejected the planning official's recommendation and voted unanimously to grant the application subject to conditions which are that all building operations and parking will use the North Road entrance to the site, and that after removing the contaminated soil, the private houses will be built first and all parking will be on site.

In previous letters, I have taken this committee to task for slavishly following the planning officials' recommendations. In this instance, I give them credit for a sensible and correct decision.

It is interesting to note that an application to demolish the bus garage in North Road and build a block of flats is in the process of being made.

DEREK ROBINSON

12 Northfield Close,

Stokesley.

Unfair to bikers

Sir, - I have to hit back regarding the speeding biker report (D&S, June 27 and July 4) on the Stokesley-Helmsley road. Bikers once again are being targeted for all and sundry. We are not the only road users on this route and enough is enough.

I am a motorcyclist myself and travel this route on occasions but do not use the road as my own private TT course. I stick to speed limits and respect the road conditions.

I understand the locals' concerns and far from defending all bikers, there are irresponsible ones who are spoiling it for everybody else, who ride in an erratic manner.

I totally agree that the police should deal with these riders if they break the law.

But however, at the other end of the scale, what about the four-wheeled fraternity who are also breaking limits and driving dangerously, may I ask? What is being done about them?

Since I have been riding bikes, I have come across far more idiots in cars, vans and 4x4s than I have bikers. Speed is not always the problem. I am quite frankly appalled at the standards of some driving - drivers who do not look, pull out, tailgate, do not indicate etc, but the police seem to do little to give them the punishment they deserve.

There have been about five or six fatal car accidents in North Yorkshire alone this year, but it did not seem this news was splashed all over the local papers.

On the subject of loud exhaust systems on some motorcycles - really, have the police nothing better to do? What about the huge "Channel Tunnel" exhausts on some cars that are equally noisy? Do people complain about them? No.

And what are the police doing about these individuals who insist on revving their vehicles at unsociable hours, creating excessive noise because they think it is cool? Absolutely nothing. If motorcyclists behaved like this, we would be hauled over the coals.

I strongly object to motorbikes being persecuted for loud pipes when cars and other vehicles are openly allowed to use them. It is discrimination.

Police presence is essential on the right occasion but in some respects, they are tackling trivia, not the more important and serious issues in our society.

North Yorkshire police - over to you.

C S JARMAIN

Wycar,

Bedale.

Shipshape!

Sir, - Having just returned home following a major operation in the James Cook University Hospital, I wish to place on record just what a wonderful hospital it is. The whole of the staff - doctors, nurses, administrators, domestics etc - share a sense of humour so sadly lacking in many areas today which is an essential part of the treatment we patients enjoyed.

Captain Cook may be justly proud of his crew and I like to think that Nye Bevan is looking down on us with a smile of satisfaction.

BOB HOGGARTH

158 Westgate,

Guisborough.

Regrettable

Sir, - It seems a big mistake to charge £4.50 to enter York Minster. I have always gone into the minster when visiting York, and always left a donation on leaving (not £4.50 though, generally £2).

I have just been on holiday in the West Country, visited Bath Abbey and Wells Cathedral, no charge but put a donation in the leaving box.

I think the archbishop is going to regret his decision. There will be fewer visitors in future as the price seems too high.

MARY SMITHSON

2 Seamer Road,

Stokesley.

Correction

IN A letter from Peter Barton published in the D&S Times on June 27, concerning the spelling of Peirseburgh (or Piersburgh) Lane in Low Worsall, near Yarm, mistakes in the editing process changed Mr Barton's references to the Peirse family and Peirsebugh Lane to Pierse and Pierseburgh Lane.

We apologise for any confusion caused.