Sir, - I was disturbed to note the moves (D&S, Dec 14)to ban the vagrant known as Mel from Leyburn market square.

I have found him, over recent months, cheering company. He brings a bright relief to my everyday problems, being polite, interesting and observant. From his "base" he travels occasionally to venues of cultural interest in the locality and reads good books. Should I not have the opportunity of "passing the time of day" with him I shall be the loser.

He is a frank character possessing social attributes probably superior to any one, and beneath his earthy humour lie some very valuable, even Christian values.

He is a splendid master of his two delightful dogs; leave him where he is!

DAVID WEBSTER

West End,

Middleham.

Sir, - I am writing to express my anger and disbelief at the gate on the bus shelter in Leyburn.

As a Leyburn resident I feel ashamed at the totally dishonorable conduct of Leyburn Town Council.

The bad image it radiates is that of a town only "the right people" are allowed to visit and stay. It takes all sorts of people to make a community and Mel (which is the name of the gentleman they are trying to get rid of) is part of it, whether they like it or not. And no matter what laws they try to introduce there are ways around them.

The amount of money that it cost to install the gates (local rumour says it was £1,000) could have gone to the local community.

Love Lane could have been resurfaced, Maythorne could have had some new lights, and I'm sure the local schools could have put it to good use.

Come on town council, a little tolerance (or Christmas spirit?) goes a long way.

Miss R A WHITE

Riseber Lane,

Leyburn.

Dubious risk

Sir, - Middleham appears to have an mysterious "R Parish" (D&S Times, Dec 14), which reminds me of similar "Connie Burton" of Leyburn letters to the D&S.

Whether there is a connection or not, it does serve to point in a particular direction, namely Richmondshire District Council, which has recently got its way, despite what councillors felt, over the closure of Richmond Farm and Garden Centre and which same council now intends Middleham Town Council to become responsible for the burden of the Middleham Key Centre.

The town council would do well to resist this, because of my experience of the RDC at the resources committee meeting, where I was prevented, through a procedural move, from having the garden centre debated and then found at the full council meeting that the matter had been delegated to officers. I was again prevented from putting forward a proposal for a new lease to be offered to the garden centre.

Middleham Town Council would be well advised to start fashioning the longest possible spoon before supping with the devil, because dumping a financial risk on to a local council seems very dubious.

Coun TONY PELTON

High Green,

Catterick.

Surprise statement

Sir, - I was surprised to see the chairman of Middleham Town Council claiming that she had won the legal cases against the Forbidden Corner and the Key Centre. I understand that statement came as a surprise to both those organisations. However, the main issue should be was the £20,000 legal fees paid by the council worthwhile. What have we gained for it?

The Forbidden Corner is operating and using the main Coverdale road as its access. This was its original intention when Middleham council intervened. So what was achieved?

The Key Centre is operating successfully with no access problems. Again what was achieved?

It seems to me that these aggressive legal actions served no purpose and diverted much-needed finance from other worthwhile community projects.

I understand that Middleham council is now incurring legal costs in connection with a dispute with the Middleham trainers' association. Please, let's use our finance for the residents not the lawyers!

B JASON

Market Place ,

Middleham.

Crimea question

Sir, - I refer to Harry Mead's article in last week's issue (D&S, Dec 14).

I am intrigued by his reference to men being "called up" for the Crimea. I was not aware that conscription was used by the government before the Great War and would like to know where I can find more details on the matter. Despite this, it was a moving tribute to a brave man.

Eric Watson

Thorntree Road,

Northallerton.