CONTRARY to the assertions of Ian White (HAS, Oct 3) at no time did the vice chairman of Hurworth Parish Council approach the former director of planning and environment at Darlington Borough Council for his opinions on anything relating to bees in the parish.

He did, however, take advice from experts in this field – the National Society for Allotments and Leisure Gardens, the British Beekeepers’ Association and the Darlington Beekeepers’ Association.

Without exception the advice given was that honeybees are desperately in need of help due to their virtual extinction in the wild. All the bodies mentioned stated bees would be immensely useful on allotments, the National Society for Allotments and Leisure Gardens going so far as to say bees are “wonderful” for allotments.

The advice obtained from these bodies ensured that any discussions held were based upon facts rather than local gossip and half-truths.

Mr White has had a full response to his numerous questions asked under the Freedom of Information Act, questions which have already been discussed at the last two parish council meetings.

Ian Holme, Chairman, Hurworth Parish Council