Letters to the editor

This will have the ridiculous effect of forcing traffic entering Skipton by this route, including fire engines and ambulances, to give priority to shoppers wishing to turn right on leaving the supermarket.

It beggars belief that Coun Doyle is "placated" by the fact that the two exit lanes from Morrison's are to be merged into one. At present traffic leaving the store in the direction of the A59 flows relatively freely, but not, apparently, for much longer.

Considering that Craven District Council recently intimated that they would prefer to see fewer cars used for shopping, it seems strange that they should support a measure designed to make it easier to do so.

Drivers from Broughton Road area already suffer frequent delays when lorries attempt to reverse into the mill yard opposite Morrison's but this new proposal could make the journey into town a nightmare.

Mrs D Adams,

Pendle Street,

Skipton.

A dying breed

SIR - We all realise that things change, but the falling membership of voluntary societies is strikingly obvious.

Looking around my small village of Grassington we can see literally dozens of them, each one strengthening the inter social bond of society.

That's why I feel concerned that part of the stability rests very much on the age of the members. We are now leaving behind an era when it was almost considered an obligation for mature people to join some sort of a group - even when it meant the tedium of committee work.

Now that age group is fading away and not being replaced by a younger one. Perhaps it is the feeling that it is more enjoyable and much easier to stay at home and switch on the PC or TV as it requires no mental effort. But human participation and interaction is surely the cement of stable community relationships?

If we dispense with real people and substitute electronics then when someone cries out in pain there will be no-one to answer except a flickering screen.

Societies tend naturally to become tired and complacent about 'falling membership' but it is not just a decrease in members and subscriptions that matters, it is the bleeding away of social vitality.

We would be much the poorer without exhibitions of the biggest marrow, the oil painting of a stone wall, the Helping Hands service, the churches, care of cancer patients, Dickensian festivals.

I see the situation as being a fight between electronic materialism and human care. I hope we can all take a fresh look at how we can restore and reinvigorate our heritage of voluntary groups.

Donald Wilcox,

Garrs End Lane,

Grassington.

Unfair image

SIR - As a motorcyclist for 20 years, I feel I cannot let your recent report "Bikers cause concern" (Craven Herald, May 22) pass without some comment.

I will not deny there is a problem. The number of fatal accidents that have occurred recently would show that there is.

Most motorcyclists give 100 per cent concentration while riding and are unable to indulge in recently observed behaviour such as using mobile phones, pouring a drink from a thermos flask (at 70mph in the middle lane of a motorway) or reading a map and using knees to steer.

The article refers to "teams" of motorcyclists using the roads as a "racetrack". The "teams" are simply groups of friends (perhaps all members of a club) who are out for a run together. They are not indulging in a race.

Motorcycles can (and will) overtake in places where it would be impossible for cars to do so, using the quick acceleration and braking of the motorcycle. This may give the impression of excessive speed to the car driver stuck in a slow-moving queue of traffic.

By all means let us have some speed cameras at strategic points, perhaps they'll also catch some of the cars that have overtaken me recently while I have been riding at the legal limit.

Mr Wilkinson refers to the use of the area for 'peaceful recreational purposes'. Does this include the thousands who will descend on the area later in the year to shoot innocent wildlife?

The Dales is a fragile environment. However, the greatest risk to this environment does not come from the relatively small number of motorcyclists but from those who arrive in their cars.

On a recent visit to Reeth on a fine Sunday lunchtime I counted six parked motorcycles. I didn't attempt to count the cars. They had parked on every remotely flat piece of ground. This once pretty village is now completely ruined by the car-borne hoards.

What about the damage done by car occupants when they have arrived at their destination and donned their walking boots or unstrapped their mountain bikes? The amount of erosion near footpaths is testimony enough.

Chief Insp Short would like to encourage motorcyclists to take advanced training. This is to be welcomed but should be extended to include all road users. Doing this will go a long way to improving road safety for everyone and may help eliminate the examples of bad driving I gave above.

When I am riding I do not feel the greatest risk is myself but the careless and often deliberately dangerous actions of those on four wheels. Motorcycle training for new riders is of a standard far higher than that given to car drivers. It requires a knowledge of machine and road conditions as well as an awareness of the consequences of the actions of others.

In addition a motorcyclist can only ride a machine of over 500 cc by passing a specific test or serving a two year probationary period (and cannot do so at all under the age of 21).

There is nothing to stop a young driver passing a simple test and stepping straight into a powerful car.

GJ Partridge,

Stoney Bank Road,

Earby.

Not helpful

SIR - Views stating that all motorbikes are a pest are not helpful in promoting more consideration and safer driving or riding from all road users.

Anecdotal experience about being "frightened" is a nonsense. Frightened of what exactly?

In the article it is stated that 786 motorcycles passed through Horton in Ribblesdale one Sunday. Mr Fenten's letter published in the same edition states between 800 and 1,000. Was this the same Sunday? Which number is correct? If the problem is to be taken seriously they must present consistent facts.

I take issue with Mr Fenten's statement that "violence and death will always be a part of the motorbiking culture". This indicates a warped view of the motorcycle world probably gained from the more extreme outpourings of the film and television industry.

Regarding the advertisement about Yamaha's new Fazer; this is overtly macho to the point where people would, and do, laugh at it. Generally speaking these adverts are only seen in specialist magazines to be read by enthusiasts.

Car adverts on the other hand are often covertly aggressive and seen by the viewing public, including impressionable children.

What about Toyota's 'the car in front', does this suggest that you have to pass everyone else?

I found it hard to discern Coun Fenten's agenda. If the concern is about the speed of bikes riding through the village then by all means contact the police, the British Motorcycle Federation and have a reasoned debate.

I have observed some reckless, inconsiderate and ignorant behaviour from motorists while out enjoying my motorcycle. I have had four wheel drive vehicles almost stuck to my rear wheel while I was observing the speed limit.

However, we could bat this ball back and forth and still the problem remains. The answer is more considerate use of the roads by everyone, more tolerance for other people's pastimes and more realistic training and education for all road users.

Lin Ward-Mitchell,

Stoney Bank Road,

Earby.

Flying visit

SIR - May I, as one who drives and rides to the advanced level, offer the following response to the reports in the Craven Herald:

I am well aware of the kind of motorcyclist referred to in the Craven Herald articles. These are people who haven't quite grasped the fact that they are only paying a flying visit to this world.

Having said that, there are some of us who do value life and drive and ride in a responsible manner.

Let's take the two roads referred to in the report: the Settle to Ribblehead (B6479) and Ribblehead to Hawes (B6255) roads.

These are very hazardous roads which contain many sharp bends, some with adverse cambers with the added danger of possible fuel spills, roaming sheep and I, for one, did notice the several 'Danger - Lambs' signs which calls for greater speed control and observation, especially when there is some irresponsible driver who is oblivious to all of these and is driving dangerously close behind.

These people also haven't quite grasped the fact that if they rear end shunt any motorcyclist at whatever speed, they can expect a court appearance followed by a bill for many thousands of pounds in compensation, especially if the rider is a self employed bread winner, for any injuries.

The Yamaha Fazer advert referred to is not unusual for a bike which is derived from the very powerful Thundercat and it's available in red or black, if interested. But how would you like a new V-8 Norton coming through Horton at 225mph (make up a limerick somebody!).

These are my personal opinions, they may not be the opinions of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, of which I am a member.

Mr JE Nicholls,

Hall Croft, Skipton.

Democracy

SIR - I would like to thank you and many others for the kind words spoken about my work as a councillor. Particularly, I would like to thank the loyal voters who have stayed with me all the way.

Life as a councillor is not easy: we bear the weight of decisions which seriously affect the quality of life for people in Craven but which never reach the public eye unless things go wrong. It should never be forgotten that councillors are volunteers; ie the many hours each week they give to council work are unpaid and are offered by most as a public service.

Some believe that this is the strength of local democracy, but local democracy does not exist unless people turn out to vote. The low turnout in the Skipton East ward - only about 850 of the 4,500 eligible people turned out to vote this time - is a source of dismay, obviously to me who lost my seat but also to the people who believe that the right to vote is something precious to be valued.

We have only to look at countries which are still struggling towards democracy to know this.

So, on a valedictory note, I would like to say this: Use your councillors and work through them to make Craven, or keep Craven, the place you want it to be. And not only use them, value them because, take it from one who knows, they do far more than you are aware of and you would miss them if they were not there.

Best wishes to Rebecca Heseltine. I hope she enjoys being a councillor as much as I did.

Margaret Billing,

The Cottage,

Linton.

Over packaged

SIR - We have been saddened to watch the increasingly acrimonious exchanges about rubbish.

We have always received courteous, considered responses from the council without having to badger them through a councillor and our address is not in the prestigious part of town.

Over the years our small, well planned development became overgrown and neglected but after consultation with a pleasant and sympathetic employee the rubbish area was revamped, the trees tended, the weeds removed and the grass properly cut.

In the course of the arrangements we were aware that the council was striving to do its best and make the most of resources.

Perhaps the whole subject of litter and refuse is one which we as a society have neglected for too long. We cannot expect the same facilities that catered for goods sold in paper bags, take away food wrapped in the purchaser's own newspaper and garden rubbish which was burned by the producer to serve a package conscious and expanding population.

Now we assemble a mountain of plastic wrapping, polystyrene food platters and garden rubbish which has to rot down slowly, even with the help of a composter, in smokeless zones.

The wrappings are part of a huge lucrative industry so where is the comparable industry that will recycle and deal with the waste?

It's a sad fact that the Skibeden dump is a dump! There appears to be a random system of disposal without any attention to sorting waste.

Heaven forbid that we reach the same neurotic state as some of our European neighbours, where one can verge on a nervous breakdown wondering where to throw an item that doesn't conform to plastic, metal or glass definition but surely the old British compromise must be better than chucking everything into skips that are extremely difficult to reach if you are under six feet in height or trying to dispose of an item that weighs over half a stone.

But the most alarming aspect of all this is that our standards appear to be falling without us taking much notice and we are in danger of letting things slip past the point where we can retrieve a clean and healthy environment.

We have beautiful hills and a good climate for growing things but that's our natural capital, perhaps we should invest a little more to conserve and protect the treasures that nature has so generously donated.

C&A Fox,

The Farm,

Keighley Road, Skipton.

Over-reaction

SIR - Your report of the debate at Craven District Council's meeting over the Robert Heseltine affair was somewhat one-sided.

Apart from quoting Coun Heseltine, you quote at length three Liberal Democrat councillors who appear not to be able to accept a democratic decision taken by all members.

I opened the debate by saying that the proposed "tribunal" was an over-reaction and a case of political correctness gone mad.

I suggested that a more suitable outcome would have been a letter from the chief executive to Coun Heseltine and the affair then put to bed on the basis "least said soonest mended".

Coun Heseltine paid the bill for cleaning up that rubbish - but what about the saving to the council of not having to go and collect it in the first place as they had promised to do?

I was not aware of any cheering when the vote was taken, only relief that the council was not going to continue to make a fool of itself by setting up some sort of Star Chamber, for which there was no precedent.

And let us not forget that this proposal came from the officers, not the elected members. Such a tribunal, if set up, would have allowed the issue to run and run, all to Coun Heseltine's benefit.

Let us not forget that the introduction of charges for removal of bulky items of household waste is the real issue in question.

This was pushed through by the Liberal Democrats, when they were the controlling group.

The fact that they lost control of the council at the last elections must reflect the unpopularity of that decision along with the Town Hall and car parking charges.

Perhaps Councillors Lis and Pilkington should voice their displeasure at their own Coun Brooks, who voted for common sense. Apart from anything else, they must accept a 17-15 vote. That is democracy, even if they don't like it.

Coun David Crawford,

Mill Bridge,

Bell Busk.

Sorry business

SIR - The sorry business of Robert Heseltine and the rubbish goes from bad to worse.

Many people were disgusted to hear of rubbish being tipped at the feet of the council's chief executive and would have welcomed an enquiry into the affair.

Most of us, of whatever party, vote for councillors expecting them to behave with courtesy to their employees and the public. However, you report that the majority on the council voted against the suggestion of an inquiry into the affair and Coun Pilkington claims the Conservatives cheered this decision!

Although welcoming Coun Pilkington's protest after the vote, I sincerely hope he will not resign from Craven District Council. It seems we are in grave need of principle on the council.

Valerie Potter,

Bridge Cottage,

Clapham.

Distasteful

SIR - May I crave your indulgence whilst I make further comment on the Coun Heseltine rubbish affair.

Firstly I would ask Coun Pilkington not to resign. I do not know the gentleman but men of integrity and honourable conduct are always needed in public life.

Secondly, and just as importantly, I am disgusted to read that some members cheered the decision not to censure Coun Heseltine. Obviously they countenance his behaviour. Their conduct in this affair is distasteful.

Harold Rose,

Main Street, Long Preston.

Chaos

SIR - Like other councillors on Craven District Council, the Labour group was disappointed with the decision at the meeting on May 19 to take no further action regarding the rubbish dumping incident involving Coun Heseltine.

Councillors are of course the employers of all council staff and, as such, have a duty to protect their well being, health and safety. Quite obviously we have failed in this duty.

In addition the implication from the decision taken is that councillors should not have rational discussions about difficulties, rather they should carry out one person campaigns involving some sort of direct action.

I can assure your readers that if all councillors were to take this matter to heart the chaos which would result would certainly not have the effect of improving council services for the people of Craven.

Janet Oxley,

Labour Group Leader,

Craven District Council.

Light-hearted

SIR - It would appear my mischievous remarks in the Songs of Praise programme may have caused some personal distress to the excited Lancastrians (see Letters to the Editor, Craven Herald, May 22).

Firstly let me fully apologise for any offence my words may have caused. It was never my intention in any way to denigrate the area to our west; merely to draw attention to our comparative strengths.

I would have hoped that my words were taken in the light-hearted way in which they were said. However, I will be more circumspect in the future!

I wholeheartedly agree that there are parts of our nation which equal and to some degree at times surpass even the Yorkshire Dales. Having said that, I am a Yorkshireman, a Dalesman and immensely proud of that cultural heritage.

On a lighter note, I am also a lifelong supporter of Burnley Football Club; most of the southern and western parts of the Yorkshire Dales support Burnley. This, alas, makes us unpopular with the rest of Yorkshire and particularly unpopular with Blackburn Rovers supporters!

May I gain stress that there was no malice whatsoever in my remarks, just the opposite. It was my intention to praise all beautiful places as God's creation where we can be at peace with Him.

Robert Heseltine,

The Newsagency,

Newmarket Street, Skipton.

Safety dilemma

SIR - It was interesting to read the article on the lifebelts (or should it be lifebuoys) at Farnhill and Kildwick and the reasons given by Mr Blackburn of British Waterways on why they were not going to be replaced (Craven Herald May 22).

One can only wonder why certain missing lifebuoys were replaced at some locks recently.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' recommendation is, I feel, a valid reason in so much that a lifebuoy thrown at a person could easily hit the victim causing further injury by the nature of its construction and the fact that very few lifebuoys have lines attached to them.

At present British Waterways under the boat safety scheme are compelling some boats to carry lifebuoys and encouraging the rest to also carry them.

One wonders, with this in mind, if British Waterways are considering removing all lifebuoys from the towpath in the hope that there will be enough around on the boats.

There are however several other suitable rescue devices that might be suitable for the rescue of people in the water but these do not seem to be recognised by British Waterways in their boat safety scheme.

British Waterways boats in the area were fitted with one of the best, namely the rescue quoit, which had a lightweight floating line attached to it. This was designed as standard equipment carried in liferafts fitted to British merchant ships and used by the Royal Navy in their small boats.

Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive of the rescue devices costing nearly double the price of a lifebuoy. The cheapest device is probably the floating heavy line.

The unfortunate thing is that all forms of safety equipment stowed in accessible places is there for the taking and misuse by the mindless morons of society who love to vandalise things. Education does not seem to reach these people however hard you try.

JB Kilner,

Gargrave House Gardens,

Gargrave.

Peace women

SIR - It is reported that North Yorkshire County Council is to take legal steps to close the 'Women's Peace Camp' at Menwith Hill on the A59 between Skipton and Harrogate.

These women have proved that the so-called wireless station is an American spy base, manned by US personnel. Its main purpose is Europe wide industrial spying. It can, and does, intercept all kinds of electronic communication through Europe. Our most ordinary telephone calls are monitored.

No wonder in these days of mobile phones and PCs the Menwith Hill balls are multiplying like vermin.

Instead of regarding the women of Menwith Hill as, at best, misguided eccentrics we should be grateful for their presence and encourage them in attempts to draw attention to the spies in our midst. One day they may succeed in having these Americans removed and our daily privacy restored.

It is high time all such infringements of our liberty are halted, whether they be by Americans or other authorities. I call upon all people of goodwill to support the Peace Women in their fight.

AT Smith,

Holme Ghyll,

Glusburn.

To the rescue

SIR - Skipton is to be congratulated!

During a recent short break holiday in Yorkshire my car developed a fault that needed repair before I could safely make my homeward journey.

I was fortunate enough to take my car into the Skipton Ford Centre on Keighley Road where I received friendly, efficient and prompt service.

I would like to compliment Skipton Ford on the high standard of its customer and vehicle service. Such authentic, cheerful and effective customer service is, perhaps, better appreciated by someone from 'down South' because it is comparatively rare in London and the surrounding areas. Congratulations to Yorkshire for this and five days of unbroken sunshine!

Susan Moore,

Woodhall Farm,

Hemel Hempstead.

Satisfied customer

SIR - I moved house on Saturday and I took quite a few things to Skibeden Tip run by Yorwaste.

I was met there by 'Totter Billy' who was very helpful and lifted all my heavy bags. The service provided was good and I was very happy with it.

Mrs Pitfeild,

Branch Road,

Skipton.

No bickering please

SIR - May I extend my congratulations to Coun Janet Gott on her new role as chairman and applaud her comments about the time wasting bickering which seems to thrive in the council chamber.

Over the past years a number of councillors have given invaluable help and friendship to my son Darren and myself through the many traumas which life has dealt us: Claire Brooks and her sister Beth, Peter Putwain and not forgetting Robert Heseltine.

Well done Rebecca Heseltine, I hope your voice is loud enough to give you a chance.

Can I also take the opportunity to thank St Vincent de Paul Society of St Stephens church and my friends at Craven Mind for the gifts given to us during Darren's past month's stay in hospital and to thank numerous friends for their support.

Hazel Fielden,

Gladstone Street,

Skipton.

E-mail messages

SIR - I access the on-line edition of the Craven Herald and Pioneer from Lansing, Michigan, USA, in the midst of Great Lakes country. Having been away from the Skipton area for 27 years, I find the news of the district - particularly Barnoldswick, Earby, Salterforth and Kelbrook to be of immense value.

I was born and raised in Earby and attended Ermysted's Grammar School between 1961 and 1968. I emigrated to the USA in 1972 and have spent a couple of years working in New Zealand. While I am now an American citizen, my heart is still in Craven, and I visit whenever I can.

In general, the internet site is well-formed and easy to use. The only problem I have is the time it takes to paint the blue border around the pages - looks attractive, but slows access down considerably - and I access the internet over a direct link rather than via a modem.

Keep up the good work, and best wishes from the capital city of the State of Michigan.

John C. Goacher

Michigan USA,

(jgoacher@coast.net)

On line welcome

SIR - Three weeks ago, I was successful in my search for a website for the Craven Herald and was very pleased with the results. I find your stories varied, informative and interesting, and now look forward to logging on each Friday.

During a visit to Barnoldswick a year ago, I met a reporter from your paper who came to my sister's house.

It was a very sad time since the focus of the story was on my incredibly brave nephew, Mark Roberts, who died at the young age of 22 from a rare form of cancer. At that time, I asked the reporter if the paper had a website and, of course, it didn't, but that there were plans to create one.

Formerly, Carole Bennett, I was born in Earby and left there in February of 1964 with my friend, Jenifer Rigby, for what was supposed to be a two-year stay in Canada. Here I am, 34 years later, and a Canadian citizen.

I attended Keighley Technical School and Jenifer was a pupil at Skipton Girls' Grammar School. I live in Oakville, a town on the edge of Lake Ontario, approximately 40 kms. from Toronto. Jenifer lives and works in Yellowknife in the NWT.

Skipton is always on my list of places to visit during trips to England.

During a visit a few years ago, my husband (a Londoner) and I enjoyed delicious fish and huge, fat chips bought from a store, just off the main road, and eaten out of newspaper while we sat near the Town Hall.

I look forward to more visits to your creative and interesting website.

Carole Clark

3110 Shannon Crescent

Oakville, ON L6L 6B4

From Down Under

SIR -I am a Craven Herald and Pioneer reader from Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

The reason I look up your website each week is because my husband and I were fortunate enough to visit West and North Yorkshire last year. Being able to access your 'online' facility is a way of keeping 'in touch' with the culture, 'goings on' and cricket results in the area.

Our son played cricket with Steeton, as their overseas professional player, in 1997. We stayed in the village of Steeton with John and Margaret Smith.

We met some wonderful folk and left the area with a real 'fondness' for the people and the countryside (the Dales).

I am very happy with the content and layout of the paper, although being so far away I would appreciate the weather being included in the 'on line' version.

Sue Anderson,

tima@mail.austasia.net

Canadian call

SIR - With the wife typing out this letter, I wish to say "Thanks, modern-day technology". You see I came here to Canada in April of '59.

Me dad, Jack Pilkington, convenor of Rolls-Royce Aero engines would always bring home the Herald at the end of the week. And I would sit down and have a good read and good chats about what was happening in the area. I was a boxing champion and played goalie for Barlick and Earby United. It's really good stuff to find out how these teams and local sports people are succeeding now.

Oh yes, and how the farmers are doing. Mr Albert Moorehouse's Herrox House Farm, on Brogden Lane, is where I was employed. When I became 18, in 1959, I emigrated to Shur-Gain Farms in Maple, Ontario, north of Toronto. In '64, I moved to Toronto, where I worked as a motorcycle and snow-mobile mechanic and community college teacher.

Thanks for bringing back memories to a bloke born in Skipton and raised at Greenberfield Cottage, at the top of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal.

Peter D Pilkington,

chrisdp@web.net

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.