Letters to the Editor

dropped kerbs a nuisance

SIR, - Ilkley is a very popular place to visit, especially during the school holidays, the park and riverside being the main attractions for families of all ages.

As grandparents of three Ilkley boys, my husband and I visit on a very regular basis all the year round and, yes, the park and riverside have the same appeal for our family.

So, off we go, the two-year-old in his buggy, the three-year-old on his tricycle and the seven-year-old in his wheelchair. And then the trials begin.

As we approach New Brook Street from Castle Road we find we are unable to use the dropped kerbs on either side of the road because of the inconsiderate parking by car drivers who totally ignore them.

Having struggled round these obstacles, we then walk along the top of the park, picking our way through the cobbles and pot-holes until we reach the top park entrance. Once again, no surprise, we find a car parked straight into the dropped kerb.

Didn't this driver do well? Only a couple of steps or so into the park. I imagine he must have been laughing all the way to feed the ducks!

However, we negotiate ourselves into the park and proceed to enjoy ourselves through the play area, over the bridge and back on the other side of the river by the playing field. We exit further along New Brook Street.

But where is the dropped kerb on the other side of the road? Surely, we should cross at the shortest point.

Well, no, the Highways Department, in its wisdom, obviously thinks it is better to take a longer dash across the road having set the dropped kerb at a diagonal angle further back down the road.

I feel sure that when these dropped kerbs were installed, they were meant to be of benefit to non-powered vehicles to cross the road where they could mount the pavement easily and safely.

Perhaps a couple of yellow lines would suffice to encourage these thoughtless drivers to use their eyes and be aware that the car is not the be all and end all and that pedestrians do have rights too.

J M WHITELEY (Mrs)

7, Crag Lane,

Wheatley,

Halifax.

Exam work

SIR, - It's a great shame that even before the exam results had been announced last week our newly elected MP, Philip Davies, should issue a statement declaring A- level passes could become 'worthless'. (Page One, Ilkley Gazette,August 18)

No doubt many anxious sixth formers would not have appreciated these comments, particularly after all the hard work (including continuous course work) which is now required over two years.

Yes, there are some issues to be addressed with A-levels but rather than make generalisations let us consider some facts.

The UK economy, business etc requires our workforce to be better educated in the future. At present nearly 50 per cent of all 18-year-olds are leaving school with no A-level passes.

We should be encouraging more pupils to stay on...derogatory statements will not help the situation.

The pass rate may be 97 per cent but there are vast fluctuations in the marks at different grades. Quite frankly it is not possible, as Mr Davies suggests, that a pupil who has done no work would achieve the same result as one that has worked hard.

There is much talk about the high number of pupils who achieve straight As. However, just 3.6 per cent of pupils will achieve straight three As passes.

Much of the controversy over A-levels revolves around the fact that fee paying pupils from independent schools are significantly over represented on certain courses and universities. Consequently, universities are under political pressure to 'widen access' to state schools and disadvantaged groups. Whether you agree with this will depend on your politics.

Finally, many young people at the last election didn't vote as they felt disengaged from politics. Perhaps Philip Davies should try to engage young people more in the future.

Well done to all those who passed. It still applies that there is nothing better than an education.

PARENT OF A-LEVEL STUDENT

Burley-in-Wharfedale.

(Name and address

supplied)

Diana legacy

SIR, - As we remember Princess Diana on the eighth anniversary of her death next Wednesday (August 31), it is rewarding to know that her legacy lives on through thousands of young people up and down the country.

More than 10,000 young people from 1,800 secondary schools in the UK now hold a Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award.

This unique award celebrates the inspirational qualities and outstanding achievements, often against the odds, of young people aged 12 to 18 by recognising the contribution they make to their schools, families, friends or communities.

Award holders include those who have been brave, overcome immense personal difficulties and tragedies, young carers, fundraisers, community workers, campaigners, peer mentors, students who make a profound contribution to their schools and fellow students. The list is endless.

The Award carries status through being external, UK-wide and a living legacy to the late Princess, celebrating the qualities she displayed in her lifetime.

It has a lasting impact on the lives of the young people who gain it and these exceptional award holders are fast becoming ambassadors for the future.

Maggie Turner

Director,

Diana, Princess of Wales

Memorial Award for

Young People,

17 Old Ford Road,

London,

E2 9PL.

Dogs issue

SIR, - When are we going to get serious about loose dogs on Ilkley Moor?

On Sunday afternoon I had a walk high on the moor admiring this year's wonderful heather display when I came up to a woman taking a rest with her dog beside her. The dog saw me and came bounding over, which was not very pleasant, but it was immediately distracted by a group of five sheep which it went haring after causing total panic in the small flock.

Eventually, it singled one out for attention pursuing it, snapping at its heels and pawing at its back for up to a minute before losing interest and reluctantly returning to its owner.

It was a disgraceful display and I think it's time we became more assertive on the subject. We should stop equivocating with phases such as 'dogs must be under control' and replace with the instruction 'dogs must be on a lead at all times' monitored by wardens with heavy fines for non-compliance.

It is unfortunate for the majority of responsible owners but this is the only way to ensure that the sheep and the wildlife are protected from the irresponsible minority.

Incidentally, the dog's name was Hugh, that being the name the woman screamed ineffectually at her pet, disrupting the peace of the countryside at the same time.

J W Williams

Ilkley.

CCTV point

SIR, - The report of an Addingham man losing his car at Ilkley Station shows again how unreliable CCTV cameras can be.

There is (and has for some time) been a CCTV unit between the bus station and car park. Was it switched on when the gentleman's car disappeared?

Does it, in fact, cover the car park? Or is it to record those who make themselves intolerable burdens on the community?

Ilkley has numerous private CCTV units, often away from direct public gaze, doing remote controlled service in their fight against crime.

We have enough street furniture without making matters worse. I am reminded of an old country saying, "An old poacher makes the best gamekeeper!"

Mr Roger Cook, in his letter on last week's Comments page, points the way to a cost-effective method of control. One that does not require fancy electronics, often of dubious quality, and more significantly is hands on.

FRAZER IRWIN

Queens Road,

Ilkley.