Letters to the Editor

Perhaps it is time we emulated Amsterdam, where at least the more pressing needs of the male population are catered for by means which are completely vandal-proof and graffiti-proof, and which require neither plumbing, lighting nor cleaning, as I demonstrate in the enclosed photograph.

This consists of a stout circular iron structure to hold one man standing. It is open to the elements at top and bottom, and is pierced all round by rather decorative holes to allow light and air.

All it contains, from waist level down, are two substantial sheets of metal at right-angles to each other, with a small hole in the ground underneath.

It fulfils its purpose to perfection!

IAN DEWHIRST

Keighley

SIR - I was pleased to read your report that our new bus station has won high acclaim and is shortlisted for several awards.

It is indeed a great improvement on the old bus station, but two health and safety factors seem to have been overlooked: smoking and flooding.

The need to make the building a smoke free zone has already been covered by others, but I have not seen flooding mentioned.

Today it was raining and I noticed that water was running in under the sliding doors that separate the people from the buses. One poor cleaner was trying to clean it up, but the wet floor is a serious safety hazard.

I was reminded of one afternoon a few months back when there was very heavy rain and rivers were running down inside the bus station from every sliding door. An army of cleaners was trying to sweep the water out of the doors, but as fast as they swept it out of one door, it came in under the next one.

Maybe the architects weren't told that it sometimes rains in Yorkshire, but clearly something needs to be done. I would suggest that the drainage grating near the door at stand 'A' should be extended all the way down the side of the bus station between the sliding doors and the buses.

David Cannon

Cross Roads

A spokesman for Metro said: "We are currently working with the architects of the scheme to identify a solution to the flooding problem which was further highlighted by the recent severe weather conditions. We expect work to begin on enhancing the drainage channels as soon as possible."

SIR - So the curse of Trumpton strikes again and not only are our Town Council worthies bereft of their chains but now, I gather from your report last week, they have lost their clerk and their assistant clerk.

And all this in the same week that one of their number has seemingly a bottom so delicate he must needs have a municipal cushion!

Truly Sir, I don't mean to be unkind and I admire their public spirit, but they do not seem to have much luck. And anyway what are they for and who chooses them? When I cast my vote in the last election and asked where I put my cross for a Town Councillor I was told that there was no one standing in my Ward.

Good luck to them, but may we please have a little dignity.

RAY GARNER

Vernon Court, Keighley

SIR - It's a pity we were not given the running cost of the council before the vote was taken on having a council.

Why don't Keighley council face the facts that it has not got the status of a Town Council but that of a Parish Council and the salary of the clerk should reflect that.

ALF ROGERS

Hainworth Wood Road

SIR - As the Royal British Legion prepare to launch this year's Poppy Appeal, I am writing to ask your readers for their continued support for this very worthy cause.

Last year the Poppy Appeal raised a record total of £21,465,804.57, thanks to the generosity of the public and the invaluable support provided by many thousands of volunteers.

The Royal British Legion hope to raise this total even further this year as the calls on its welfare funds continue to increase. Last year the Royal British Legion responded to over 300,000 calls for assistance and anticipate that this year the number will be even higher.

Of course, the assistance provided by the Royal British Legion does not extend to ex-Service people alone. Their dependants are also fully catered for under the Legion's benevolent schemes, thereby covering a complete age spectrum.

Poppies will very soon be available to the public from hundreds of outlets in the Bradford Metropolitan District and I urge your readers to give as generously as they can to help ensure the success of this year's Appeal.

The continued support of the general public is vital to enable the Royal British Legion to carry on its invaluable work.

CLLR RICHARD

WIGHTMAN

LORD MAYOR

City of Bradford

Metropolitan Council

SIR - During my usual Tuesday afternoon stroll with my son, I was approaching the bottom of Kirkgate in Silsden, near the zebra crossing, at approx 3.45pm.

I noticed a man in front of me waiting to cross the crossing, so I carried on around the corner past the Indian restaurant. As I was doing so a car going in the direction of Steeton stopped to let the pedestrian cross.

All of a sudden a car emerged from behind him into the middle of the road, swerving past the stationary car and over the crossing and out towards Steeton.

The pedestrian could not believe what he had just witnessed. The woman driver had not even acknowledged the car in front had stopped to let this gentleman cross.

The gentleman was left within seconds of being hit.

Not to realise what was happening was just plain ignorance. It was also a relief no vehicles were travelling in towards Silsden as there would certainly have been a collision.

I was appalled at the whole incident. Several other passers by noticed what this woman driver had done, so she must have realised once she had got over the canal bridge what had just occurred.

For those drivers who are not aware, Silsden has three crossings so please approach them with extreme care. There have been several accidents on crossings in Silsden and on this particular day there could have quite easily been more. If it had been 15 minutes prior to the incident, it could have been young school children on the crossing.

M L BAILEY

Tufton Street, Silsden

SIR - I am puzzled by the simultaneous appearance in the Keighley News of two items about traffic problems.

First of all we read that Fell Lane is being used as a race track by speeding hooligans and Cllr Thorne is proposing that the road be narrowed down to slow the traffic.

Later we read that Skipton Road is too narrow and will be widened to allow the traffic to go faster. No, sorry. Some mistake, surely?

In the first case, although I support anything that might help to control the chaotic driving behaviour of certain members of the community, I doubt if "throating" will do much to deter them. On the other hand maybe a few trees could be planted on the reclaimed space?

In the case of Skipton Road I am at a loss to see what benefits could come from the proposals.

The hard facts are that even now it is only possible safely to cross the road when it is completely congested.

During times of reasonable traffic flow it becomes difficult and at "quiet" times the road is a race track, just like Fell Lane. How will an increase in traffic speed help?

As far as I can see it will only deliver cars more quickly to the bottlenecks in the centre of town. Do we need this?

I wouldn't have such a problem with this proposal if it didn't threaten fine mature trees, a public asset and legacy of more enlightened times. Furthermore it does not help to refer to them as in need of "saving". They are not decre-pit, nor are they diseased.

The disease is elsewhere.

George Speller

Hill Top Road

Hainworth

SIR - Would any of your readers like to adopt an older cat from us?

We have several elderly cats currently in our care awaiting homes, but always passed over by potential owners in favour of younger cats.

The elderly cats are in good health, and have mostly come into our care due to the death or illness of their previous owner. We would like homes for these cats with older persons who have previous experience with cats and who have no other pets or young children.

Although the cats are all healthy, we are willing to come to an agreement regarding future veterinary bills should the cats be adopted by senior citizens or persons on a low income.

If any of your readers would like to offer a home to one of our older cats, or indeed any other cat in our care, they should telephone 01535 647184, evenings or weekends.

S ATKINSON

Secretary, Haworth Animal

Welfare (Cat Rescue)

SIR - I live in the Highfield area and I am sure that I am speaking for a great many people about this issue.

The problem is "Fireworks." They are being let off day and night. Last night it was about 2.30am before I and my husband could sleep.

The explosions from these fireworks are very loud and the animals are terrified, not to mention small children and elderly people.

Someone is selling these fireworks to young people and it needs to be investigated before somebody is severely maimed or killed.

I hope that the powers that be will address this problem and get something sorted out.

Name and address

supplied