Letters to the editor

However, having re-read the front page of KN September 23rd, could I ask her how on earth she comes to that conclusion?

Everything written was factual reporting and the only political references were to trade union leaders and their own self-righteous observations. Not even the Labour party got a mention, let alone the Conservative one.

I fear Mrs Sampson has her own idea of neutrality, and it seems to lean to the left.

Brian Fuller

Stanbury

Keighley

SIR - When Janet and myself heard about the wanton vandalism to the floral displays at the Keighley war memorial during last Friday evening/ Saturday morning we were sick to the pit of our stomachs.

Who could do such a thing? For what reason? Was it in a fit of blind rage? In an alcohol fuelled state? Or high on some substance or other? Or just plain old fashioned vandalism? We may never know.

What we are sure about is that whoever it was are certainly members of the Takers of our Society. You know what I mean, Take, Take, Take never Give, Give, Give -- unlike the past members of our community who gave all and are remembered and honoured by the memorial to their names.

Of course, the perpetrator/s of this moronic act must need help, we would agree -- help out of our community as fast as possible and for as long as possible.

If it's not BMX bikers jumping on an off it and knocking lumps off it, it is things like this. It does make us wonder where our society is going if it's not down the pan.

Bob and Janet

Horrell

Oakworth Road

Keighley

SIR - A seminal moment in the history of the Keighley News was reached last week.

In your opinion column you arrogantly dismissed the rights of anybody who has the temerity to disagree with your viewpoint. The vicious anti-BNP campaign you have maintained in recent months leaves many people searching for adjectives to describe your editorial performance.

The people of this town no longer enjoy a free, fair or neutral press. Shame on you, your position is untenable and you must be removed.

In recent editions you have given platforms for detractors of the BNP to launch one-sided attacks that are never given the chance to be defended. Cllr Brian Hudson recently enjoyed his moment in the sun, when he applauded the decision to deny access to a fellow councillor to hold meetings in her own ward. Cllr Hudson should be reprimanded for his remarks by his peers at the Town Council.

After all, we are constantly told that our Town Council is non-political. Although I won't be holding my breath. Their decision to eventually remove Rombalds statue, at a cost of £10,000 (whoever foots the bill) is beyond belief.

This money could be put to much better use in many areas of Keighley.

STUART FEATHER

Hainworth Lane,

Ingrow, Keighley

SIR - I always enjoy reading the Keighley News here in Massachusetts.

My Dad James Hodgson was born in Keighley on November 6, 1899, and that is why I have such an interest and love of your area.

We have made several trips to England in the past few years but I must say our stays in Keighley and the Yorkshire area will always hold fond memories for us.

We met Ian Dewhirst on our first trip in 1986 and will always remember how helpful and gracious he was to us at the Keighley library when we were seeking information on our ancestors.

I was especially interested in the article where I noticed in the picture a young girl named Jean Hodgson and wondered if that family is still living in the Keighley area.

Well hopefully one day soon we will have the opportunity to once again visit Keighley and bring back more memories of the the beautiful countryside and thoughtfulness of the people we always meet while we are there, which is always the highlight of our trip.

KATHLEEN H RUSSELL

Old Marsh Hill Road

Massachusetts

SIR - After reading the Keighley News a few weeks ago, regarding a lady being unable to travel on the Keighley and District buses due to having a buggy with her, at the time I found this quite shocking.

So you can imagine my horror when it actually happened again to my 71-year-old mother and my 14-month-old son, being told point blank by the bus driver she was not allowed to board the bus with the buggy. Consequently my mother, Mrs Patricia Chipman, had to walk over a mile with her grandson to get home.

It was not a case of the driver informing her that if she folded the buggy she would be permitted to travel, as Keighley & District tried to use this excuse regarding the other lady a few weeks prior to this.

Keighley & District Travel state quite clearly that their aim is to deliver a high standard of service to all their customers. This statement is clearly not their main priority, if they are allowed to treat an elderly lady and her grandson in this way. I have also written to Keighley & District Travel for a full investigation into this matter and as to why my mother was treated so disgracefully.

Ironically the bus my mother intended to travel on was the same 720 to Oxenhope via Spring Bank at 2.20pm on Monday October 10.

The government says that public transport is supposed to be the best way to travel, to help cut down on traffic congestion and emissions that harm the ozone layer. Well if this is the way they treat you. No thanks.

CAROLE OKSUZ

Cliffe Terrace,

Spring Bank,

Keighley

SIR - I left Keighley in 1953 and, due to advancing years, my visits have become less and less frequent.

However, after an absence of five years I resolved to make the journey North and renew acquaintance with a few old friends from my days at Keighley Boys' Grammar School, and later at the Keighlians Rugby Union Football Club.

Imagine my surprise when, on arrival, my host showed me a copy of the Keighley News dated September 30 with a photograph of my father, then Mayor of Keighley, meeting a girls' relay team from Eastwood Council School. There was a feeling of unreality when, before I left, I was given cuttings from the October 7 edition with a further photograph of father greeting children who had collected funds towards the Spitfire-Hurricane fund.

That these two photographs should coincide with my visit seemed to me an astonishing coincidence, but one which revived many memories and helped to make the weekend even more unforgettable.

Despite living most of my life in the South, I remain a dyed in the wool Yorkshireman!

J B WARDLE

Broad Grove,

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

SIR - It is now nearly 20 years since the horrific Chernobyl (Ukraine) nuclear power station accident/explosion, which occurred on April 26, 1986, but even though this time span has elapsed children are still suffering.

I appeal to your readers to please make a donation, any donation, however small, to help the treatment and care of these youngsters.

After the explosion, radioactive materials were ejected into the air and 70 per cent of these radioactive substances were blown over the small country of Belarus. A quarter of the country's best farmlands and forests have been poisoned for hundreds of years, and on land where plutonium was deposited, the land will be uninhabitable forever! Hundreds of towns and villages were evacuated, many were buried and wiped from the map.

Within five years of the accident, the incidences of thyroid cancer among children in Southern Belarus had increased by at least 100 times. There were also rises in other diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, ailments of the digestive system and birth defects. Time has not been a healer for these lovely children or their parents, and the greatest fear is for the children of future generations.

Hospitals are desperately short of drugs and even basic supplies such as syringes and sutures. Ambulances are needed urgently and incubaters are vital as many women give birth to tiny babies who cannot survive without intensive care. Ill health among adults has resulted in a large number of children living in orphanages, where they are often short of food, toys and clothes. In summer, when airborne dust causes radiation levels to rise, it is important for as many children as possible to leave their homeland for a few weeks of fresh air and clean food. This boosts the children's immune system for at least two years, helping them to resist, or recover from, serious illness.

The Chernobyl Children's Project organises recuperative holidays in the UK for children from Belarus. Some children who are not yet ill, but, due to radiation, will be in future, will have a better chance of resisting disease. The project delivers medical aid, school equipment, disability aids, toys etc to schools, hospitals and orphanages, and helps with other vital services. The project receives no government aid (as usual).

This problem is ours to sort out, we caused it due to the very unnecessary evil of nuclear power, so I appeal to all readers to help - for the price of a pint or a pack of fags you can make a difference. A lot of people these days seem to be content to pay lip service to good causes but how many of us actually do something? Do it now - don't just think about it.

For further information, or donations, please contact: Chernobyl Children's Project (UK), Kinder House, Fitzalan Street, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 7DL.

JAMIE LAURENCE CURTIS

Greenhead Lane, Keighley

SIR - Our heart goes to those who have lost their loved ones in the earthquake in Pakistan/Kashmir and we offer our deepest condolences, and share their grief.

Prayers have been offered for all those who are dead, injured and unknown.

Muslims throughout the UK are giving donations and the Muslim Community in Keighley is generously giving donations, and I have requested and appealed to friends and colleagues to give generously and help those who are collecting donations, as there is a huge and painstaking task ahead for rebuilding and providing other facilities to the survivors because the whole infrastructure has been demolished.

I thank all those who have offered their prayers in their worship on Sunday and expressed their sorrow.

CLLR ZAFAR ALI

Former Director of Keighley

Racial Equality Council