Sir, - I am writing to thank Richmond Operatic Society for the wonderful production of Trial by Jury which was held in the Georgian Court at the town hall recently.

The setting was unique - the beautifully restored Georgian Court - the music was wonderful thanks to George Lundberg, and the singing was great.

The world premiere of Singalong with G&S was also a great success with the audiences on both nights heartily singing along and putting me to shame. I'd rehearsed but obviously not enough!

The two evenings raised £1,020 for the Mayor's charities, which, for these two evenings, included the Almond Tree Trust.

The Almond Tree Trust has been set up to support service families in times of need and as both Richmond Operatic Society and Richmond Town Council have such close ties with the army in general and the Normandy Band in particular, it was felt that now was a very appropriate time to thank them in return for all the help that they have given so freely to us.

The Normandy Band of the Queens' Division is currently serving in Iraq.

Once again my thanks to everyone involved and especially to those who came along and supported us. It was another fantastic experience and we would like to thank the town council for restoring the court and also for letting us use it for such fun.

Coun STUART PARSONS

Mayor of Richmond,

Town Hall,

Richmond.

Just say no

Sir, - The financial year has just begun and away they go - spending our brass.

Richmondshire District Council now wishes to employ a "beacon co-ordinator!" This person's salary, plus furniture, office space, telephone, stationery, allowances and so on must add up to around £30,000 - what for? Is the post just to tell us how good they are!

They call themselves "Investors in People," and what does that really mean - another silly plaque on the wall. We just hope that new councillors have the courage to say no to unnecessary schemes and are not scared and become gobbled up by the party machine.

Remember, excessive spending does not mean progress in local government. Someone has to pay.

All North Yorkshire councillors require economy and stability of resources. This has not happened before and many councils have been milking the "gravy train" for years. They need to be stopped.

GEORGE HAYES

Maison Dieu,

Richmond.

Litter lament

Sir, - I am an concerned that litter is getting worse on the sides of the roads around North Yorkshire.

Every time I go down the Northallerton to Thirsk road I am amazed at how bad the rubbish is getting. It's not just main roads, it's country roads like the road to Knayton.

This does not happen in Scotland where there is a scheme to help prevent litter. Men are sent out to pick up all the packets and bottles along the roadsides every week. The verges and roadsides are noticeably cleaner in Scotland - if they can manage it, why can't we?

On travelling up to Scotland over the Easter bank holiday weekend, within the English border, we noticed a man in a white transit van throwing sweet wrappers straight out of his van window - it's no wonder our countryside is so filthy as people obviously have no pride whatsoever whilst carrying out such selfish acts.

LIAM D JACOBS, aged 11 yrs

The Row

Maunby

Nr Thirsk

Disgraceful sight

Sir, Thirsk market place on the morning of April 21, bank holiday Monday, was a disgrace. Litter covered the pavements and roads. The litter bins had not been emptied since the Thursday before, resulting in litter spilling over onto the pavements. Wheelie bins had been left out still full.

The pavements were covered in a mixture of chewing gum, dog dirt and people's vomit.

I had the usual job of cleaning the passageway next to our shop, which is used as the local toilet on a weekend.

All this before 8am - very nice for the poor people coming to visit the town.

How can Hambleton Council justify a massive increase in council tax rates when Thirsk is in such a disgraceful state?

GILES LEE

H Lee & Sons Butchers,

Castlegate,

Thirsk.