Letters to the Editor

party from its responsibility

SIR, - In his letter published on February 10, Colin Campbell failed to explain how he managed to vote with his Lib Dem colleagues in 2003 in favour of the East of Otley proposed development but can still say that his local party has always opposed the new housing part of the deal.

The proposed development includes both new housing and a relief road - it's not one or the other.

Coun Gerard Francis (Con) wrote to make the same point three weeks ago, reminding us that in 2001 the Lib Dems in Leeds voted unanimously to support the Unitary Development Plan, which included the East of Otley development, with Coun Kirkland reported as speaking enthusiastically in favour.

As he often does, Colin Campbell wants to take the argument back 20 or 30 years to find someone to blame rather than explaining what, if anything, he is doing to deal with the issue now. Not only is that a pretty pointless and tedious exercise but given his inability to recall his stance on this important issue less than two years ago what chance has he got of giving an accurate account of events going back 20 years or more?

Turning again to the Civic Centre issue, I think the people of Otley will understand the different positions that the parties have taken up with Labour wishing to see the Civic Centre retained and refurbished and the Lib Dems and their Conservative partners wanting to find another site and leave the Civic Centre. If they succeed the Civic Centre will close.

I don't think Coun Campbell's attempts to find a technical point,indeed any point, to argue that it won't be his party's responsibility will convince the people of Otley.

Finally, he began his letter by saying he would keep it simple for my benefit which I can only interpret as an intentional personal slight. I will not comment other than to say his remark does seem to be a very arrogant one and a poor example to set from someone of experience in these matters.

Coun KEVIN COONEY

18 Sunnydale,

Otley.

Confusing

SIR, - Now we know. Coun Campbell opposes the proposals for housing east of Otley. So that's quite clear then.

Since it's the housing, and the housing alone which will finance the relief road, it follows he is against the relief road. But hang on a moment, doesn't he also tell us he is in favour of the relief road?

That means he is in favour of the housing because the one is not on offer without the other. It's all a bit confusing isn't it?

In its proof of evidence the city council specifically states that Otley Town Council supports the East of Otley package comprising housing in conjunction with the relief road. If he doesn't want the housing then as town council leader shouldn't Coun Campbell be writing to the public inquiry inspector to put the record straight?

But then his ward colleague and fellow town councillor, Graham Kirkland, is on record as stating, and he has never denied it, that he favours the East of Otley proposals housing and all.

So where does the Liberal Parliamentary candidate stand on all this? He reckoned to survey Danefield Ward on the issue and we are told 90 per cent of the people living there are against the East of Otley proposals. So may we expect him to come out against the package any time now?

Gerard Francis

Town Councillor,

Danefield Ward.

Kind village

SIR, - I felt that I must write to you, in the hope that you will pass on my thanks to the Menston community for their kindness.

My mum and dad moved to Menston from Sunderland six years ago, and were immediately welcomed into the village. Sadly, my mum died on February 10.

Once again, the community pulled together, with their kindness and thoughtfulness, and helped my dad and the rest of the family through a difficult time. Nothing seems too much trouble for the people of Menston.

Sometimes, we forget our neighbours, with the hustle and bustle of life. A 'hello' or 'how are you?' or even a 'please and thank you' are forgotten by people these days. Common courtesy that means so much. A lot of communities could learn a lot from Menston.

Donations from my mum's funeral, totalling more than £400, are being sent to the Yorkshire air ambulance, a charity that can help the local community.

Thank you Menston. You should all be so proud of your community.

Pauline Barton

Stockport,

Cheshire.

Here, Kilroy

SIR, - Mindful of the contribution made to our society by people who were born elsewhere, I was intrigued by the election promises on immigration unveiled recently by Robert Kilroy Silk's Veritas 'party'.

In particular, I would like to know just how 'Veritas will enforce the law and use dedicated task forces to remove all illegal residents', especially as 'the whole expensive asylum operation of detention centres, advisory centres, courts, appeals, legal aid and the rest will be dismantled'.

Are we talking about unlicensed goon squads of vigilantes rounding up people whose appearance seems 'alien'? Is the Party of Truth seriously planning to abandon the first principles of British justice?

Veritas' vision of our future and how we treat the most vulnerable reminds me of another European state that 'removed' undesirables to an uncertain fate in the east - the French Jews during 1942-3.

So is it Veritas or Vichy?

James Bovington

Full address supplied.

Behaviour

SIR, - I read with interest the report on the council 's tough stance on litter and would suggest the litter wardens should visit Guiseley at lunch time when the Guiseley School pupils are out and about.

I recently remonstrated with two of them throwing crisps at each other and then the bag thrown on the ground and received a torrent of abusive foul language.

This was not an isolated case, hence my letter. It makes you wonder what they are taught at school and how they behave at home.

Mrs Janet Beanland

7 Hawksworth Lane,

Guiseley.

A turn-off

SIR, - I can hardly wait, the General Election is coming so let's all start letting fireworks off and dancing in the streets as our lives change forever, or rather never.

Four more years of dog dirt on the streets of Otley, crumbling buildings, clocks and roads etc. Another new term and influx of wardens, cardboard cutout police, bank counter closures and small trader bankruptcies.

Still, as long as you pay your council tax on time and play your role as one of the most boring, rained on, helpless and frustrated citizens of Europe, only interrupted by either a late Friday night fight (under 30s only) in the late night binge drinking trendy cash back-cocktail bar) or (over 60s) with a ride in the back of an ambulance to the new hospital.

Yes that's right, Vote for more of the same and whilst you're at it get down and kiss the feet of your local councillors who, of course, have made all the no difference to your hometown whatsoever.

Blair, Howard or Kennedy? Whatever turns you off.

Dan Cooney

Alicante,

Spain.

Rail cynicism

SIR, - There has been discussion in your paper over the last two weeks about Labour's lack of investment in railways.

It has now come to light (The Times report, Monday, February 21) that the Government has been deliberately blocking public transport schemes because they don't want to lose income from car taxes. How cynical is this?

In addition, Labour's MP for Aireborough seems excessively interested in where I live.

Perhaps he did not read my explanation which I previously gave in this paper- I have to live near to my paid employment at present ( as a veterinary surgeon , I am required to be on call at night), as being a candidate for The Conservative Party is unpaid and voluntary.

Pamela Singleton

Conservative candidate,

Aireborough.

Mick Kelly

SIR, - Many local people will have felt a huge loss wit the sad passing of Mick Kelly.

Mick was a well known and respected Rugby Union player, having played for both local teams, Otley and Otliensians. He was a very hard but fair opponent.

Playing in the forwards, he was always guaranteed to move the opposing pack back a yard or two when he went to scrum.

Mick was very helpful with youngsters wanting to learn the game.

But the most lasting memory I had of him was on a wet and windy afternoon on the hallowed turf of Cross Greeen when Mick kicked six goals from six attempts, several from the touchline, a feat which in adverse conditions we shall probably not witness again.

RICHARD W AGAR

Broadside Cottage,

67 Cross Green, Otley.

Environment project is important

SIR - Your report on the many different projects which have been supported through the MTI Programme with funding from Yorkshire Forward, demonstrates what a big difference this investment has made to Otley and District.

One key project which is in its infancy is the Town Enhancement Project, which was omitted from your article. This project has been led by Otley in Bloom whch has collaborated with Otley Town Council, Leeds City Council, Otley Chamber of Trade and Otley Town Partnership in pursuing significant environmental improvements across the town.

Fifteen thousand ounds has been allocated to this project, most of which has been spent on the drawing up of a range of designs for key projects. These key projects were, in March 2004, initially identified by by more than 70 local people in the first of two public consultations held last year.

In December 2004, more than 80 people viewed suggested designs and commented on the proposals. On Thursday February 24 (6.30pm to 8.30pm) closing discussions will be held on these designs in Room 4 of Otley Civic Centre. This meeting is an open meeting and anyone who is interested in finding out more about where we are with this project is more than welcomed to attend.

Sylvia Reid

Secretary, Otley in Bloom,

c/o Manor Books and Music, Otley.