Sir, - With reference to Leyburn bus shelter, the meeting with Mr Bird and two councillors, Lady Bolton and a Mrs Townsend (D&S, Jan 25), was out of order.

Surely it would have been better if it had been with folk from Leyburn and surrounding villages who use the shelter. I got the impression that if Mr Bird was to be a "good boy", he could have "his shelter" back on a trial period.

It also stated that people had been deprived of using the shelter because of him. Not so, people have been deprived of the use of the facility, thanks to the person, or persons, responsible for authorising the installation of the gates; well-made gates, perhaps more in keeping with gorilla's cage.

Who mentioned using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Forty years ago I had to stand in Leyburn in all weathers, awaiting buses or a taxi. Now, in my sixties, I found myself recently cowering in the lee of a locked, barred shelter, after being to the doctor's with pleurisy.

I think it unacceptable that the decision to lock the shelter is made by people who obviously don't need to use it. There are young and old who do, who would like to come in from the cold and wet, but not for a trial period.

Regarding Mr Bird's alleged misconduct, if he, like anyone else, breaks the law or bylaws, then of course "he would have to face the music". It does give the impression it has become a private battle between Mr Bird and his supporters, and the council with theirs.

I am only concerned with keeping others, and myself, dry; everyone knows Leyburn can be a draughty spot also.

WILLIAM CAMERON BOAL

East Witton.

Changes ahead

Sir, - Important changes were proposed to the Harrogate District Local Plan in December 2001, to comply with Government policy. If the proposals, currently being circulated, are accepted in May 2002, some consequences will be:

l A presumption in favour of high-density housing.

l Applications for new housing need no longer include provision for parking, which will add to Ripon's parking problems.

l The renewal of existing permissions will only be allowed under specific conditions.

l A presumption against the closure of hotel and guest house accommodation unless the owner can prove that either the business will no longer be viable or the loss will not adversely affect accommodation in the area. Already, Masham youth hostel may be affected.

Anyone who thinks they may be affected by the changes should speak to their borough councillor. Other councils may make similar changes to current regulations; I have no details.

W A FORSTER

Ripon Civic Society

Ripon

Quids in

Sir, - Over the last nine days, I have received 11 letters asking me to send money, and I will win £.... Had I sent the amounts requested I would now have paid out over £150.

In these days when everybody is suing everyone for the most minor of mistakes, isn't it time that firms caught selling personal information could also be sued?

BETTY ROBERTSON

Catterick Garrison