Sir, - I am writing on behalf of several owners who keep their horses at Saltburn, in the hope that your readers may be made aware of the current difficulties which we face.

At present we are having to spend a greatly increased amount of time riding along the roads to gain access to the beach due to the fact that the route which we normally use from opposite Bells Stores on Howard Drive in Marske has become unsafe.

Work recently started by Redcar and Cleveland Council to try to rectify this, but until this has been completed we are not prepared to try to use this way as it poses a serious risk of injury to horse and rider. To my knowledge there have been three recent accidents on the route due to the extremely deep going.

We therefore have only two routes to and from the beach in both Marske and Saltburn, all of which involve us having to ride along the main roads.

We try to vary our route in order to minimise inconvenience, but still receive an incessant stream of abuse from pedestrians and motorists alike.

We would like to think that it is possible for others to show some consideration instead of treating us as if we are simply trying to delay them. We do not want to ride in traffic, but at the moment we have no alternative. Perhaps those who seem to be so upset about it should vent their anger on the people who are currently reducing our off-road riding access and not ourselves.

J E DAVIES

Upleatham Village,

Redcar.

Sir, - I was sorry to read the Saltburn, Marske & New Marske Parish Council report (D&S, Feb 14) where Coun John Wingham said: "Horses are big business, like vehicles, but they did not seem to be making a contribution, just taking out".

As a local riding school proprietor I find that remark rather offensive. I run a fully licensed and approved school as well as offering children and adults an opportunity to learn to ride on safe, well-mannered horses and ponies.

We regularly take work experience pupils from all the local schools in the area, as well as giving discounts to school activity weeks, youth clubs, after-school clubs, and outreach programmes.

On a weekly basis parents bring their children to ride and then go into Saltburn to shop. I find the councillor's attitude very short sighted. Yes this is a business, but I also think it is one of the many attractions which bring visitors into the area.

I am sure if Coun Wingham would like to visit and talk with the children and adults who regularly ride with us he would see how much pleasure riding gives to them. Riding is for all ages young and old, and riding schools allow accessibility for every income not just the well off.

J HILL

Saltburn Riding School,

Marske Road,

Saltburn.

Housing record

Sir, - I realise it's often hard to let the facts get in the way of a good political point but this is a criticism most often directed at politicians, not chief executives.

David Butterworth's statement (D&S, Feb 14) that not a single affordable dwelling has been built in Wensleydale in the last ten years is completely incorrect. What about the 11 units at Gayle in the mid 1990s? Add to this developments at Askrigg (1992) and Reeth (1996 and 2002), our purchase and refurbishment scheme, plus recent comprehensive surveys in both Wensleydale and Swaledale leading to accurate (non-political) data on housing need? The picture painted that the district council is not playing its part in this area of work is both inaccurate and unjustified.

Based on our surveys, I thought we were currently working quite well with housing associations and the national park on proposed schemes in Hawes and Bainbridge/Askrigg.

I realise that the statement was, as you put it, a "thinly-veiled attack" on Coun Blackie but in my view progress on the important issue of affordable housing is more likely to be achieved by reasoned discussion based on the facts.

HARRY TABINER

Chief Executive, Richmondshire

District Council,

Swale House,

Richmond.

Public spirit

Sir, - The public-spirited attitude of director Graham Hall of Hymas and Hall property development of Witton-le-Wear is to be admired.

Having recently provided luxury homes on a small development at Redworth Village on the A6072, where his company transformed a neglected area of land into an eye catching site, Mr Hall has now made a generous donation towards the updating of Redworth Village Hall. This building is the social focal point of the village.

The villagers join me in thanking Mr Hall in the knowledge that his boost to funding will contribute towards the work of updating being completed sooner than anticipated. Not to mention helping take pressure off the small but gallant band of villagers who for far too long have worked against the odds.

Coun J K WILKINSON

Redworth.

Well done, Ann

Sir, - I was delighted to see that the work of Ann Brett, the former warden of Dunelm Court in Barnard Castle, was acknowledged by a photograph and write up in your paper.

Mrs Brett has served the residents of the town and beyond for 20 years. But far from it being just a job, she always went the extra mile above and beyond her call of duty as warden.

I am sure I am not alone in saying that she has been a credit to the town as a warden and I take this opportunity to wish her well in her new role.

I understand she is still working for Home Housing and I sure she will bring the same qualities to the role as she at Dunelm Court and Bowes Lyon House.

Coun JOHN HINCHCLIFFE

Barnard Castle East Ward