SIR - As the local election comes nearer, is it not the time for the people in this region to ask themselves how much longer are they prepared to be hoodwinked by local politicians? We now have the Tories in the Craven Ward who want to know the answer to The Big Question: do people really want a referendum to break free from Bradford? Yes or no? That is on their election special.

It might be news to the local Tory party, but 12,000 voters in the Aire-Worth Region have already written to the Tory and the New Labour governments and have been told lies on the issue by both New Labour and the Tories. The truth is that up to election time, local Tories have shown little interest in a break from Bradford.

As for the Labour party, well what excuses will they put forward to get back into City Hall, especially in this area?

Let us remember how Labour turned its back on the people - 10,000 objections to the UDP were termed 'irrelevant' in the Aire-Worth area and all the people of Silsden were referred to as 'selfish'.

In conclusion, look at what is going on with children's education. Even this fair-to-all local newspaper describes it as a shambles and a farce. Is it not time to call 'time' on the political damage being done by Bradford to this area?

R P Beale,

Currer Walk, Steeton.

SIR - Soon the local election will be here and I would ask the voters in the Aire and Worth valleys to remember that not all fairy tales begin with the words 'Once upon a time'. Some begin with 'If I am elected'.

Norris Webb,

Sun Street, Eastburn.

SIR - At a moment in time when much of the country is turning its back on the archaic practice of circus-going, Silsden is once again being plastered by posters advertising the return of the big-top.

Perhaps the people of Silsden should now consider saying a civilised No to the sad spectacle of animals, designed by nature to roam free in the wild, being transported from town to town in pathetic cages to provide us with entertainment.

Even in the midst of urban West Yorkshire, we are able today to see animals such as elephants, lions, tigers, in their natural habitats and in dignity, thanks to the brilliant nature programmes screened almost daily on television.

What need do we have, or what enjoyment can there really be, in witnessing the misery and frustration of captive animals obliged to perform completely unnatural tricks on completely alien territory?

Some circuses claim to be better at caring for animals than others, no doubt this letter will spark such defensive claims and there will be some circus workers who are very fond of their charges.

But it is the very essence of circus that animals are frequently kept in cramped unnatural conditions, unable to display their normal behaviour patterns - no amount of circus cosmetics can mask the raison d'etre. Recent undercover investigations, some graphically televised, have also revealed training practices which are at best questionable and at worst very cruel.

Surely we have moved on from such primitive production of thrills and spills? And indeed a number of non-animal circuses are now proving very successful by offering spectacular forms of entertainment without pain and exploitation.

By not supporting an animal-based circus, the people of Silsden could make it clear that the degradation of captive animals, in the name of fun, is simply no longer acceptable.

Cathy Liddle,

Elm Grove, Silsden.

SIR - It is disappointing to see that a circus with performing animals is in the area again. The RSPCA is totally opposed to performing animals in circuses. The only way circuses with animals continue to survive is with support ie: you the audience. The RSPCA asks people to withdraw their support.

A circus is no fun for animals. It is not educational for children as the animals do not display natural behaviour. Please think twice before going to a circus with performing animals and give it a miss.

M Richards,

Poplar Terrace, Sandbeds.

SIR - Entries have just opened for the popular Manchester to Blackpool bike ride, the biggest event of its kind in the north-west's cycling calendar. The route stretches from Manch-ester's Albert Square through Ellenbrook, Ecclestone and Preston, to the finish in Blackpool.

One of those to benefit from the sponsored-ride is the leading UK medical research charity, Action Research, which leads the fight against disease and disability. Sunday, July 12, 1998 will see cyclists of all ages from across the North of England taking part in this mammoth event.

Early registration is advisable for this ride. For more details about how to cycle for Action Research, prospective entrants should contact Judith Bowles in Keswick on 01768 773138, or the charity's Sports Desk on 01043 210406.

JUDITH BOWLES,

Keswick

SIR - I am a very concerned Cougars fan. I can not believe what is happening lately. It seems as though the players have given up altogether, and if we don't start winning games, we will end up in Division Two. Imagine ..Division Two.

It would be an insult to Rugby League. The Cougars don't deserve to be there. But the way we are going we will end up there. We all know what will happen. Lee Crooks will go, Hami Patel and the players will go and the Bulls will want our players. Well they can all back off. The Cougars got into this mess, the true fans will get them out of the mess. So come on Cougars, prove we can do it.

Louise Shaw,

Byland, Illingworth.

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