Letters: Towns ruined

Traffic wardens hand out fines for trivial offences, ie someone mistakenly displaying a parking disc instead of a ticket from the machine, for the free 20 minutes in the market place in Knaresborough, would be fined. Many people have received fines at Conyngham Hall when their vehicle has been the only one in this large car park.

It is the main recreation area in Knaresborough and despite 200 people signing a petition requesting free or concessionary parking in winter (Nov-Feb) and off-peak in summer, high charges still apply there 24 hours, seven days a week, all year round. The local tennis club left because of this policy.

I understand a profit is made from these charges, yet there are no funds available to salt or clear snow from paths and side roads. They were like skating rinks last week.

We also have some of the worst public footpaths in the country. One chap I met on a walk recently commented "life round here nowadays is one long hassle" (we had just negotiated a 5ft high fence where there was previously a stile).

I think he summed things up exactly!

Mrs B DARBYSHIRE

Forest Lane Head,

Knaresborough.

Cash help needed

Sir, - I refer to Ann Frizell's letter (D&S, Jan 4), re the funding needed to restore the river bank and footpath betwixt Richmond and Easby, and T D Trotter's observations regarding the regrettable and unnecessary closure of the Richmond Farm and Garden Supplies.

This building is for sale (for leisure purposes) at £400,000. Surely Richmondshire District Council should donate at least 15pc of the money from the proposed sale to help the Easby restoration fund.

The Easby loop is a free recreational facility available to all. Maybe it could be renamed Golden Jubilee Walk in commemoration of our Queen's 50 years.

Mrs H B CHRISTIAN

Pilmoor Drive,

Richmond.

Explain this logic

Sir, - My farm stock was culled as a dangerous contact in May last year. My neighbour was the infected premises. We both now have our FM7 form. Today we were informed the footpaths on our farms were open, including those that run through grass fields, and through a cull site.

We have also been told that despite that it is deemed safe for the public to walk on the grass, we can not re-stock until the end of February at the earliest. Can anyone explain the logic behind this latest move?

I M GRAHAM

Cliffe Farms,

Piercebridge.

His right to speak

Sir, - It is not the first time that Mrs Nancy Murgatroyd of Middleham (D&S letters, Jan 4) has attacked District Coun Tony Pelton.

She is incorrect to assert that Coun Pelton is waging a vendetta against Richmondshire District Council since he is part of the mind and will of the body corporate of that council.

She is entitled to believe that Coun Pelton is unpleasant, although I understand that she has never met him. He, like any other elected councillor, is entitled to express a view on a subject which is not easy to resolve.

It is ultimately his job, and that of his fellow councillors and of Middleham Town Council, to settle the issue. Whilst not wishing to censor Mrs Murgatroyd, she should be mindful that she speaks on facts and not personal dislikes or prejudices.

I have spent many years advocating free speech and public debate on all matters which relate to our communities. Can I assume from Mrs Murgatroyd's comments that I, too, am unpleasant because I believe in democracy?

I do not support Coun Pelton in his comments, I simply defend his right to speak without attracting personal abuse. Mistakes have been made by Richmondshire District Council in Middleham and the very same mistakes have been repeated by the council in relation to Thornborough Hall, which, in itself, is putting pressure on the viability of the Middleham Key Centre, only two and a half miles away.

Why should taxpayers congratulate the district council on its endeavours when many of us have no faith in its ability?

BERNARD BORMAN

Brentwood,

Leyburn