Sir, - J P Lassey claims that his "bitter" complaints about Thirsk market square's pavements are "on behalf of all the other residents of Thirsk". Count me out, Mr Lassey, and because, as you noticed your remarks at the public meeting "went down like a lead balloon", you can count out most Thirsk residents.

As Mr Lassey's idea of a townscape is a wasteland of tarmac and concrete paving, how fortune he is that Tesco are busy creating just that - and he is welcome to it.

As for me, I will continue to enjoy our beautiful market square, relishing the natural stone and historic cobbles, preserved by the foresight of the 'old squire' (my late father) and Hambleton District Council planning department.

My father was also a wheelchair user, but had no complaints with our pavements. Then again, he was not one to complain "bitterly" about everything, as those who knew him may confirm.

JOHN BELL

The Hall,

Kirkgate,

Thirsk.

Insensitive Tesco

Sir, - I am writing about the rough-shod way Tesco seems to be treating Thirsk and any motorist who has the misfortune to visit the town.

I wonder if North Yorkshire County Council realises the congestion caused by Tesco seemingly placing traffic lights wherever and whenever it wants. Who, if anyone, is managing the scheme, or is Tesco just doing as it feels appropriate to speed up the development?

I have spent hours now over the past few weeks sat in traffic and suggest that Thirsk should be compensated by Tesco with a gesture of say £30,000 for the community to be spent as it feels best to compensate for all the inconvenience caused.

ANDREW SWALES

Craigs Way,

Thirsk.

It's a takeover

Sir, - Although there is a newsagent and lottery outlet in the Cockerton shopping area, Safeway has started selling newspapers and is soon going to become a lottery outlet. This is already in addition to selling bedding plants next to a fruit and vegetable shop. The same thing has happened at Brandon where the Co-op has been selling newspapers in the same precinct as a newsagent.

What the supermarkets are evidently trying to do is to put these existing trades out of business. When this happens the shops will become empty, and derelict. Eventually the area will be a complete slum.

If Safeway customers do not want this to happen they should use the established outlets.

JOHN A BARR

Brinkburn Road,

Darlington.

Funny side

Sir, - While I can understand the anger felt by the residents of Aysgarth at the illicit use of a hydrant by a disinfectant tanker driver (D&S, July 13), surely they can see the funny side of the incident.

After all, this must be the only recorded case of someone ripping Yorkshire Water off instead of being ripped off by it, as most of us are every day.

PETER J ATKINSON

Park House,

Keld.