A magnet for the north's L-drivers

It seems that we are now deluged with driving schools from all across the region.

On a typical day you can count at least a dozen different driving schools from as far afield as Otley, Ilkley, Keighley, Colne, Nelson etc. One was even spotted with a Bolton number plate.

Are the streets in Regents and Greenacres so unique that these driving schools feel that this is the only area to practice in?

Are the streets in the towns mentioned above so clogged with traffic that these schools are forced to take clients all the way to Skipton to learn to drive?

Some argue that the 12 weeks waiting list for an appointment outlined in one of your previous editions, is due to a shortage of examiners, however increased examiners will only bring a rise to the "tourist test takers".

Yes, agreed, we all had to start somewhere but why can't people that live in Bolton learn to drive there too.

The serious point to this letter is the concern that with so many inexperienced drivers in one area all the time, it seems only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs when a child, playing in the street, runs out in front of a learner driver and that driver is not experienced enough to take the necessary action to avoid an accident.

It would appear that I'm not the only resident to notice this potential problem. One of the ward candidates in the upcoming town council election, Chris Harbron (Con), has promised action on this in his manifesto.

I have no objection to learner drivers I just want to see Skipton learners on Skipton's roads.

Chris Wolfenden-Smith,

Regent Crescent, Skipton.

SIR - I have written the following open letter to Barnoldswick Chamber of Trade:

Don't shoot yourself in the foot!

The OTT reaction from Coun Purcell, to the new parking regime in Barnoldswick is harming trade in the town. Banner headlines, saying how bad things are will put people off coming to Barnoldswick.

In reality, shoppers will find parking more readily available as drivers are kept to the two, or two and a half hour, waiting limits.

The good news is that shoppers need no longer carry out a fruitless circuit of the town and the main car park looking for a space. Town centre traders and workers needing to make a quick visit to premises by car will be more likely to find a convenient parking spot.

Even long-stay parkers will benefit by not taking up short-stay places. The extra hundred yard walk to the ample long-stay carparks will aid fitness. If their business depends on custom, their customers will access their establishment more easily.

Pedestrians gain. It'll be safer and easier to use the streets. Disabled people and those with prams can use crossing points.

Last week, barely a quarter of the 60 or so long-stay places were taken on Rainhall Road. There's plenty of space to park in Barnoldswick. (Without using residential streets).

Let's promote the positives:

* Plenty of parking

* Free parking (how much is it in Skipton?)

* Tremendous traditional shops

* Friendly family businesses

* Superb square

* Colourful environment

* Unrivalled festivals and events for visitors

Coun Purcell was a leading campaigner against creating Barnoldswick's Town Square (she wanted a car park!). How wrong she was.

Stop running the town down, Jennifer - you're harming it.

Coun David Whipp

Lockfield Drive, Barnoldswick

SIR - With regard to your article in the Craven Herald Sept 3, "Entertainers bring joy to others". Marjorie Robinson and Maureen Batty, I would like to say that the two ladies bring lots of joy and pleasure to all the residents at Anley Hall along with other functions they attend as invited entertainers.

Marjorie writes some very good poetry and she puts feeling into it. Now that she has "found fame" through the article in the Craven Herald, I bet she writes another poem. They were at Anley last Friday and she was overjoyed at the article.

Thank you for bringing the two ladies some of the joy. I organise the entertainment at Anley Hall.

Beryl Morphet

Holly Platt Farm, Ingleton

SIR - On behalf of the Vikings in Burnsall I would like to extend the organising committee's gratitude to all of the many people who gave of their time and effort to help to make our event succeed. Because succeed it certainly did. Thank you one and all.

Peter Hodge,

Hebden.

SIR - Last week saw the first lobby of Parliament organised by the National Pensioners Convention.

The demands: A basic state pension of £105.45 for a single pensioner and £160.95 for a couple. That the state pension should be based on National Insurance contributions and that it should rise every year in line with average earnings. Furthermore that the 25p a week age addition at 80 be increased to £25.

There should be a winter fuel allowance of £300 per pensioner household to rise annually in line with fuel costs. Every pensioner should be provided with a free annual health check and a scheme introduced which would allow free public transport nationwide.

A further call is for the abolition of council tax and for a fairer system based on Government grants and an increased local business rate, plus a local income tax.

Such a programme would ensure that today's pensioners benefit and that a secure foundation is laid for tomorrow's pensioners, for whom, for many, the only future lies in the workhouse. Something the Blair administration conveniently ignores.

I note in Blair/Brown's booming Britain that our Airedale Hospital is to close two wards and axe 25 staff.

Strange - no shortage of cash for wars or London's Olympic bid.

Brian Ormondroyd,

Brindley Court, Skipton.

SIR - As I trail wearily up the Skipton Northern Bypass at a steady 23.5 mph behind yet another lorry belching black smoke I find plenty of time to stare wistfully at the coned off centre lane.

I am able to admire the pristine tarmac that I was so recently using to sweep past the chugging lorries, considerably shortening my journey times every morning and evening. I marvel at the silent sentinels of red and white plastic, wondering if this is the beginning of some scheme where old cones go to die.

Can one of your sleuths cast any light on the appearance of these cones, and the subsequent non-roadworks accompanying them?

Surely I can't be the only person who wonders what it is all about, and I must have missed the advance warning in your pages. I look forward to being enlightened.

Martin Hanson,

Helwith Bridge, Settle.

Editor's note: We are informed that the work is to construct a path linking Skipton with the memorial woodland.

SIR - I note that yet again the columns of the Craven Herald have raised the anomaly of someone driving without insurance being fined a pittance - certainly far less than the cost of insurance these days.

Yet our magistrates, I suspect, are required to take into account matters such as the criminal's ability to pay. If so, and I would be interested to know if there is a sliding scale, then it is not their fault that the punishment does not fit the crime. Indeed the punishment is a positive incentive to commit the crime, it is far cheaper.

Magistrates should be empowered to confiscate and sell off cars belonging to uninsured drivers. We should be as draconian as we are on drink driving.

I know, I speak from bitter experience my car having been hit by a young, uninsured idiot while parked up. It cost me far more than the pathetic fine imposed on the criminal, who was driving the same car a few days later - with or without insurance I know not.

D Greaves,

Currer Walk, Steeton.

SIR - Home Secretary David Blunkett has a nerve.

He says that he thinks criminals have too many rights. We can all agree with that, but does Mr Blunkett have no shame. It was him and his Labour government who passed the Human Rights Act.

This Act has given criminals more rights than they could ever dream of.

For example, mass murderer Dennis Nielsen used the Human Rights Act to successfully claim that it entitled him to watch hardcore pornography in jail.

Rather than trying to sound popular, David Blunkett should concentrate on actually doing something worthwhile and get rid of the Human Rights Act.

Nobody will be fooled by his posturing. No wonder politicians are held in such low regard by the public.

Philip Davies

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate,

Shipley Constituency,

Hartlington Court, Baildon.

SIR - Eighteen years ago our family were delighted to be able to buy a property in Long Preston - enabled partly by the fact that an elderly couple were prepared to sell their house at a sensible price and were pleased that a family was moving into the village.

We have found Long Preston to be a good, caring community where people have a concern for each other and a healthy interest in their neighbours' affairs.

There have been many instances in our time here when people have seen their neighbours and friends through difficult periods of their lives. Trusts and committees in the village work hard and give their time freely to provide support for all ages from toddlers to the elderly.

One of the problems in Dales villages is to enable our young people, and those who find themselves in a less healthy financial position, to be able to buy or rent a property and to stay or come back to their own village.

We really hope that the residents of Long Preston, whether new or of long standing, will continue to build a healthy community spirit in the village and put peace of mind and concern for others before the apparent need to protect their property values or even their lovely view.

We don't want to see Long Preston spread ever outwards but our attitude to others is surely more important than that and we hope the new Residents' Association will bear this in mind.

Chris and Kathryn Hammond

Pendle View,

Long Preston.

SIR - We elect Craven District Councillors to spend meeting time discussing items for quality of life for Craven residents - not for frippery like a gift memento for the consort of the chairman.

To be elected chairman of Craven is a prestigious honour: to represent Craven when accepting invitations to events one would not normally attend, Buckingham Palace Garden Party, civic events throughout Yorkshire, the many local events which give one an insight into what makes Craven a great place to represent at all levels.

The chairman usually serves one year as deputy, so has knowledge of what is expected of chairman and consort, and does not have to accept nomination.

From my own experience as escort to Craven's first lady chairman I know what a wonderful, unforgettable year it is, also very tiring.

I also recall a gracious lady consort who so appreciated her year that, at the Craven civic dinner, she presented each lady with an orchid corsage, grown and made by herself, so putting something in - not requesting a material object as suggested by Coun Place.

I trust the elected councillors decide against something that could probably end up in a car boot sale in the future - so devaluing the honour of chairman of Craven District Council.

The chairman receives the statutory £4,000 as a councillor plus an extra £2,000 for chair, plus subsistence pay, so if he has valued his consort, one would have thought he would have given a gift in appreciation, not expected the community charge to cover the cost.

D Holmes

Wood Close, Bradley.

SIR - I would like to thank Bernadette Atkinson for a superb fashion show, held in Gargrave village hall, called "Dressing the Past". This featured clothes from 1760 to 1980, the latter part of the show bringing back many memories to the audience I am sure.

It was wonderful to actually see clothes from the 18th and 19th century being modelled, mostly they are seen on stands in museums.

Mrs Atkinson's talk throughout the evening was very entertaining and informative. A considerable amount of time and effort must have been needed to provide such a good show. Thank you to all who took part, but in particular to Mrs Atkinson.

PM Wilson,

Marton Road. Gargrave.

SIR - May I through your pages thank everyone who helped with 'Dressing the Past' in Gargrave Village Hall.

I was fortunate to have a nucleus of excellent models, a spacious and convenient venue and trusted friends to help backstage - not forgetting the enthusiastic audience.

Our combined efforts raised more than £1,100 for the NSPCC.

Bernadette Atkinson,

West Street, Gargrave.

SIR - Here is my answer to Larry Crooks' complaint that Roger Ingham gave away the football scores while "hogging the mike" at Malham Show.

Roger's commentaries are far better entertainment than Premiership football in all its glory, whether you know the score or not.

Roger has a fair old fan base here in Keighley and so long as he keeps hogging the mike at shows and galas across the Dales then he can give as many scores out as he likes.

Mrs A Gallagher,

Lawnswood Road, Keighley.

SIR - I can understand Larry Crook (letters, September 10) not wanting to hear the football scores but I object to him referring to Roger Ingham as "hogging" the microphone at Malham show.

My daughter and I attended the said show and heard Roger give of his time and animated commentary for the fell races, as he does at very many shows, galas and fun days throughout Craven during the summer months .

Perhaps Mr Crook is also unaware that Roger Ingham devotes his spare time to helping youngsters achieve their aims through running, football, rugby etc. Oh, and he manages to collect money for charity whilst giving out the said unwanted information.

So Mr. Crook I suggest that if you have any further criticism of Roger I'd "keep it to thissen lad", especially when visiting Skipton.

Wendy Milner,

Church Street, Gargrave.