SIR - May I be allowed to pay a compliment through this newspaper for the service I received in Shipley at the hardware shop in the downstairs market last week.

Firstly, I purchased something there that I had been told I wouldn't be able to buy.

Secondly, the young man was so helpful, giving me advice regarding the purchase, and explaining the workings of it.

I worked in Shipley in the days when everyone went to Johnny Sagar's for household supplies and it put me in mind of those days. The shop is overflowing with hardware and to wander round you find all sorts of things you could do with.

After shopping these days in supermarkets etc, it's so nice to go back to the old personal service. Well done, young man!

Mrs M Emmett, East View, Yeadon.

SIR - I am writing to tell you what I think about all the controversy over the mess made by animals on the paths and pavements.

Small deposits are made by cats which are tidy. They try to bury the mess they make so why have a go at them and people like Jenny Sampson who are trying to look after them?

Medium deposits come from dogs, but dogs that walk on leads can only put their mess where their owners take them, and their owners have the option of a poop bin.

Large deposits come from horses walking on the road. You never see the riders dismounting and cleaning up the mess left behind, which they should do because they are the largest and the smelliest, and also they stay around for a lot longer than any other mess made by animals.

K Prior, Boltby Lane, Buttershaw.

SIR - As the holiday season approaches, may I remind your readers of the work of the War Research Society, the battlefield pilgrimage tour organisation for which I am the local contact.

Since it was originally formed by a group of retired and serving police officers, the society has grown rapidly and is represented throughout Great Britain and in many countries abroad. The number and scope of the tours is always increasing.

Our experienced team of couriers and guides includes lecturers with specialist knowledge of The Somme and the Yypres Salient; at Arnhem we are accompanied by a former member of the Dutch Resistance who gives a graphic account of the battle from the "inside".

We can assist in tracing war graves and carry out additional research if required. Tours are tailored to meet the wishes of those travelling and nowhere is too out-of-the-way to visit. Financial help can be given in some cases to assist a visit with us and photographs can be taken for those unable to travel.

Inquiries are welcome. Further information and a tour brochure will be sent on receipt of an addressed A5 envelope and a 44p stamp.

Andrew Naden, The War Research Society, The Lodge, Wensley, Leyburn, DL8 4HN.

SIR - In reply to Kenneth Higgins's letter about the boundaries of East and West Bowling. I have lived in East Bowling all my 62 years and I have always been under the impression that the said boundary was in fact Ripley Road where the old Bradford Dye Works was situated.

Bowling Park Drive is in East Bowling according to the post code and as this borders the bottom of Bowling Park, one would presume that this park is indeed in East Bowling.

I would also point out that the road in question is in fact Bowling Hall Road and not Bolling. This is another very common mistake which sometimes even the residents make.

Mrs Margaret Fennell, Balfour Street, East Bowling, Bradford.

l EDITOR'S NOTE: Our apologies for the misprint in Mr Higgins's letter which had him referring to "houses" instead of horses.

SIR - Why does our government insist on supporting Israel, when it is apparent that Israel is a blatant violator of human rights and regularly ignores established international laws (with the blessing of the USA)?

Why are millions of pounds of taxpayers money freely donated to Israel every year?

What exactly has Israel ever done for us, other than make us a target for future terrorist attacks?

Ian Bennett, Parkwood Road, Shipley.