Letters to the Editor

Sir, - People in Ben Rhydding, Burley, Ilkley and Menston have been greatly over-taxed by their parish council.

Not, as its Chairman alleges, because we haven't talked to them. We have talked. They have not listened.

Three years ago, you published my letter suggesting that £3:50 per household would pay all of the administrative costs with enough for local projects. Edwin Schirn in last week's letters also suggested restraint. So had others. The council refused to talk to other local bodies about its plans.

Defying sound advice, our parish has levied a grotesque tax of more than £100,000 last year, and very much more this year. Now they can't find a way of spending our taxes.

There never was a plan for our money and we have been taxed on false pretences. That's why there is a petition: we need a proper plan or our money back this year.

Taxes are not like a call for voluntary donations. They are always backed by the full powers of the State. People are entitled to know how those taxes are spent.

We are entitled to know how recipients are selected. Are they simply acquaintances of local councillors, or is there a policy we can scrutinise? We should know that our taxes have been spent as promised by recipients, and whether the expected public benefits have been realised?

Councillor Mann is reported as claiming that this campaign is conducted by members of the Labour Party. Not so. I've had messages of support from people of many points of view.

Mostly, I collect signatures on my own and when I have time (two Saturday mornings, so far). People from beyond our Parish support this cause because it's so clear.

Our country's tax laws should not be abused in this way. Without a proper plan and timetable for spending, the surplus money should be returned this year.

Andrew Dundas

The New Homestead,

Parish Ghyll Drive,

Ilkley.

Bridge wanted

SIR - In last week's Gazette Diana Roe criticised a letter written by Keith Wadd, vice-chairman of the West Riding Area Rambler's Association, who is in favour of a footbridge over the River Wharfe at Greenholme, Burley-in-Wharfedale.

As chairman of the Burley Bridge Association, I would like to make the following points in response to her letter.

The Wharfe is a very dangerous river and the only way of crossing it safely all the year round at Greenholme is by means of a bridge. The so-called stepping stones are not an answer to the problem.

As an association we respect the fact that some people have misgivings about a bridge but polls have shown that more people in Burley are in favour of the proposed bridge than against it and Burley Community Council is backing the project.

Important as a bridge would be to the residents of Burley, it is equally justifiable for wider community use just as other footbridges are over the Wharfe in that it would allow access to footpath networks on the other side of the river.

The bridge will not be an eyesore as suggested because careful thought has been given to its design and position. It is proposed that the bridge will follow the line of an existing structure, namely the weir. Every effort will be made to deter people from creating a nuisance in that area. As an association we are keen to allay people's fears on this point.

Finally, there are existing rights of way leading to and from the Wharfe at Greenholme and in consequence there have been numerous attempts down the years to provide a safe crossing.

It is our hope that this current attempt will be successful in establishing one.

DENIS READ

Chairman,

Burley Bridge Association,

126, Skipton Road,

Ilkley.

Well informed

SIR, - In last week's Gazette Mrs Sharp inferred that there had been little consultation about the proposal for separate parish councils for Burley and Menston, and asked if she was the only resident against the idea.

Contrary to her suggestion that the proposal was 'item 10 on an agenda ... sandwiched between public toilets and Menston Hall' there has been a great deal of consultation in Menston. For two years the Menston Community Association was in regular contact with all Menston households on the Parish Council Issue.

In 2001 the association was given authority at a forum to set up a sub-committee to consider the merits and disadvantages of setting up a Menston Parish Council. A balanced presentation was given at a village forum meeting in June 2001, and reproduced in full in the September 2001 Newsletter, which goes to every household in the village.

Further presentations and updates were given at four of the next five forum meetings. In addition the parish council issue received lead coverage in the June 2003 Newsletter and extensive coverage in three of the preceding Newsletters.

The Ilkley Gazette was also a tremendous help in publicising the proposals as you gave extensive press coverage.

In June, 2003, a vote was taken at the regular village forum meeting on whether Menston should have its own parish council and if so whether the Community Association should actively ensure it happens. On both motions the vote was overwhelmingly 'YES'.

This feeling was further evidenced in a recent report to the Shipley Area Committee, where 77 per cent of respondents to the council consultation supported the proposal for separate parish councils.

The village residents, therefore, have been, for more than two years, very well informed with plenty of opportunity to comment, express views and finally to vote on the parish council issue.

Coun CHRIS GREAVES

Wharfedale Ward,

2 Park Way,

Menston.

Precept rap

SIR, - So now we know, from your report on August 5, that parish councillor Brian Mann has said that the parish council has held over our money for a long-term aim of buying a building on the edge of Ilkley Moor, and another near the Cow and Calf Rocks, both belonging to Yorkshire Water, and on which more of our money could then he spent on restoring them as visitor centres or something else.

In other words, they thought of a figure to increase our council tax, increased it by a hefty percentage each year (20 per cent the last increase) - and then cast around for ideas on how to spend that money.

I have better uses for my pension than for it to be used to purchase redundant buildings from Yorkshire Water, or anybody else.

If others think the same - then I urge them to write to Councillor Mann. He has said that he wants to know our views.

Better still, write to the Gazette.

EDWIN SCHIRN

Victoria Grove,

Ilkley.

Split opposed

SIR, - Having lived in the Burley/Menston area for the past 30 years, I find little positive reason for splitting the very effective Ilkley Parish Council and creating two tiny parish councils, one each for Burley and Menston.

As was highlighted in last week's Gazette, only a few Menston residents have received the letter of information, a position acknowledged and accepted by Bradford Metropolitan District Council. This is a disgrace in itself.

Nor have any residents been canvassed for their opinion. What has happened to local democracy?

It is not that long ago that Ilkley Parish Council had to co-opt a member living in Ilkley on to the council to represent Menston because no Menston residents would allow their names to go forward. It is clear the majority of residents wish to remain under the auspices of Ilkley Parish Council and do not want a new Menston mini (seven member) Council, and it's obviously watered down influence on Bradford Council.

I strongly object to an insignificant minority deciding the fate of our village without the promised consultation with the residents. Let the village of Menston remain where it has always been - Menston, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, and proud to be so.

GEOFFREY A

MALDWYN-JONES

Southpiece Cottage,

Bleach Mill Lane,

Menston.

Sign needed

SIR, - With reference to your report of the accident at Victoria Avenue on July 22 and letters page on July 29.

We were involved in the accident on July 20. We had driven from Addingham and were stationary in a queue of traffic at the lights. A minibus crashed into the car behind us.

This shunted the car behind us into our car and our car into the car in front of us. We all suffered from shock and whiplash.

I agree with Julie Nixon and Linda Bowden that there should be clear warning signs of traffic lights and the possibility of stationary traffic ahead before the blind bend on the A65 from Addingham. These signs should be put in place quickly before someone is killed.

KATHRYN FORREST

22, Fenton Street,

Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Angling fear

SIR, - Sea anglers should be aware of a Government proposal to impose a £22 annual licence on them for pursuing their sport. The proposal is rightly based on concern for conservation, but the Countryside Alliance seeks reassurance on a number of issues.

The projected £3m annual revenue that would be generated by this licence fee would probably not even pay for enforcement around the UK's 3,100-mile coastline, far less offer any tangible conservation benefits.

Indeed, who would enforce this licence: at present the jurisdiction of the Environment Agency, which enforces inland rod licences, stops at the estuary.

Other concerns include defining exactly who would be licensed (trawler men, mackerel-spinning children, line-caught bass fishers?) and what the proposed "conservation measures" are. Existing measures from conservation groups like the Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society and the National Federation of Sea Anglers should be enhanced rather than cut across.

This licensing proposal throws up many questions, but looking at the bigger picture it is time that the Government adopted a more holistic policy towards all wildlife. The cost of wildlife management should be met, in part, by those who benefit from harvesting it.

In turn, it follows that they would like to see that their contribution is not absorbed in the funding of bureaucracy. It is they, after all, who must live with the consequences.

Charles Jardine

Director,

Campaign for Angling,

Countryside Alliance,

367 Kennington Road,

London.

Culling cubs

SIR, - I hope that the new Vicar of St Margarets, Dr David Hope, will have a more liberal approach to his Cub pack than one of the former incumbents,who dismissed me from the cubs on the grounds that I was the product of a mixed marriage, my mother coming from the Church of England and my father a Methodist.

Mike Denby

Hangover Hall,

88,Bolton Road,

Addingham.