Sir, - I am a student and having just spent the Easter recess at home in Northallerton, I can hardly believe the traffic chaos that now exists.

On two occasions, the car journey from the St James's estate to Darlington road where I was working during the holidays took almost 20 minutes due to congestion and the inevitable level crossing delay.

Previously, I had called home briefly in February and at that time I clearly remember seeing a number of signs stating that the major works being carried out at East Road causing traffic to be re-routed would last until April 13. We are now well into May and there is no indication whatsoever as to when this will all end.

One thing is for certain, potential visitors to the town will not be impressed by either the parking facilities, which are at a premium, or the traffic congestion, which at present resembles a mini-version of the M25.

CAROLYN PEACOCK

Broad Lane,

Leeds.

What's the risk?

Sir, - Assuming the USA goes ahead with its "Star Wars" missile defence system, and assuming it continues to use the facilities of Menwith Hill and Fylingdales to facilitate surveillance, will North Yorkshire be a likely target for "hostile" forces who might attack the bases with nuclear weapons? The presence of RAF Leeming might be an additional reason to focus their firepower here.

This question is asked not to support or criticise President Bush, but it would be nice to know where we in North Yorkshire stand (or lie?). Perhaps someone "in authority" can enlighten us.

The military will, I'm sure, have done a risk assessment on the situation. Perhaps they would welcome an opportunity to brief us. Equally Tony Blair or William Hague as local constituency MPs might wish to advise local voters on any risks prior to the forthcoming election.

L G TWISS

Barbeck,

York Road,

Thirsk.

Ideas, please

Sir, - As Guisborough town councillors, we have been involved with the steering committee for the market towns' initiative.

It is great news that Guisborough has been selected for this initiative.

It is essential though that the residents of the town and surrounding hinterland know that this funding is available for a number of ideas. It is not "ring-fenced" just for the steering committee's ideas but it is to be used as a way of optimising employment, tourism, the environment and social factors that affect us all in this area.

People have worked hard to bring this initiative to the town. We now look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to us all.

Couns BILL CLARKE & ANNE FRANKLIN

Guisborough Town Council.

Not 100pc happy

Sir, - I was amused by your snippet saying that 60pc of Harrogate was pleased with its council (D&S, April 27).

Who responded to the survey? The council? Nobody asked me in detail or I could have told them that this is a town where the council risks public health by charging for council rat catchers. The rats, if not the residents approve. Residents often don't pay the fee, so the health hazard continues.

This is a town where the most expensive and ludicrously unworkable traffic calming schemes have been installed only to be removed or altered at yet further expense.

Harrogate is also a town where perfectly good suburban paving stones were ripped up outside my house and botched with unsightly and short lived bits of tarmac between them. I was insultingly told, "We only have paving where aesthetic considerations apply."

Of course this is a town where the aesthetic and very expensive town centre paving is now almost obliterated with gobbets of chewing gum.

Why didn't the survey find out these things?

ERIC BEER

Burn Bridge,

Harrogate.

Watch out

Sir, - Over the last few years I have appealed via your letters page for sightings of the Orange Tip butterfly in North-West Yorkshire and many useful new records have resulted.

The Darlington & Stockton Times is the only newspaper specifically thanked for its contribution in the recently published "Butterflies for the New Millennium", (published by Oxford University Press), which describes the expansion of the Orange Tip through the North of England.

The Orange Tip butterfly, (white with orange wingtips), is usually on the wing in the second half of May. I would be grateful if anyone lucky enough to see one could write to me.

Dr DEREK PARKINSON

11 Crow Tree Close,

Baildon, Shipley,

West Yorkshire BD17 6JH