Sir, - I have just read the article in Richmondshire District Council's The Curlew about improvement in access provision to the council chamber at Swale House.

This article indicates that Disability Action In Richmondshire (DAIR) was involved in consultation prior to the installation. It may also be implied that we are pleased with access arrangements. This is clearly not the case.

At a meeting in May of this year, I was approached by an excited Coun Cullen who asked me if I had tried out the new lifts installed to improve access to the council chamber yet.

I told him that I was unable to as it was impossible to get through the front door in a wheelchair, one half of the double doors always being bolted shut, and that there was no way to call for assistance.

Subsequently, I was contacted by the planning control officer, Mr Robert Stubbs, whom I arranged to meet on site on June 28. At this meeting, also attended by the Swale House caretaker. I pointed out the problems. It was agreed that both sides of the outer doors would be left unbolted and open whenever Swale House was open, and that the bell provided on the inner set of doors would be lowered to a height suitable for wheelchair users.

To my knowledge neither issue has yet been addressed, therefore DAIR cannot approve of access arrangements for Swale House. I am disappointed in the lack of action in such a simple matter and doubt the sincerity of some of the council's staff in dealing with access issues.

We remind the district council of its duties under he Disability Act 1995. We consider that the district council, and any officer involved, to be in breach of that act and will initiate proceedings should access to Swale House, whether by intent or not, be denied to any disabled person in the future.

ROBERT LANGFORD

Chairman, Disability Action In Richmondshire,

Westfields Court,

Richmond.

Much missed

Sir, - I am writing to express my full support for the letters written by Mr Kerry Allerton and Dr Neil Browning. Like them I must declare an interest as a close colleague of Neil Hebblethwaite's, having worked with him as a fellow consultant in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Friarage for the last seven and a half years. I would also like to say that the letter from Mrs Margaret Connolly shows great insight into the whole sorry affair.

Neil Hebblethwaite has been my friend and colleague for over 14 years. I was instrumental in his appointment to the Friarage - a decision which I have never had reason to regret. I know him to be a skilled surgeon and an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist dedicated to his work. He is greatly missed.

My own personal feelings are of great concern that his departure could have serious consequences for the future of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Friarage as to replace him with someone of similar dedication and experience, given the current high profile of our department, could be a hard task.

Finally, I understand the other party in this affair is a regular church attender. As a fellow Christian, I have to wonder where the words of forgiveness, compassion and humility appear in her Christian faith.

FIONA C BRYCE

Consultant obstetrician and

gynaecologist,

Friarage hospital,

Northallerton.

Duff gossip

Sir, - I write following a recent article in Gossip magazine, (circulated around the south Stockton area) which included comments from one of Yarm's two Tory borough councillors. The subject was litter dropping and alleged "loutish" behaviour from some of Yarm's youth.

Whilst any unruly behaviour needs addressing, the article singled out Conyers school, criticising staff, blaming pupils and parents for the apparent problems.

Many families I have spoken to have been disgusted with the councillors' blanket criticism of the school. Conyers has made a significant contribution to the education of many over the years, and is a good ambassador for Yarm.

In fairness these comments were only made by one of the councillors, noting the other has hardly been heard of since being elected. Other than the magazine, their last leaflet was before the May 1999 local elections asking for votes. Perhaps turning their attention to constructive policy ideas, such as more activities for Yarm's young people, would be more helpful.

For the councillor to tar all pupils and parents with the same brush, and undermine staff is appalling. An apology is owed to the school, its pupils and parents for such a rant.

SIMON TRANTER

Snaith Close,

Yarm.

l More Letters on page 24