Councillor tells how his concerns over housing plan were voiced

Sir, - Mr King ( Silver Cross letters August 5) seems to be trying to say that I have not acted with the interests of the people of Guiseley in mind in my response to this proposed development.

On the March 26 last, I wrote to Ian Andrews the Chief Planning and Development Officer, following a meeting of the CIT (all local people) expressing my concerns about some of the aspects of the plans they put forward.

These were particularly the size and flat roofs of the apartment blocks, and the size of the office blocks in relation to surrounding local properties.

I also expressed concern at the large number of vehicles that would be introduced to our roads.

Mr Green also suggests that I have not sought the responses of local people. Wrong. On July 2, I wrote to the people living in the immediate vicinity, giving them Ian Andrews' address, and suggesting that they might wish to write to him expressing their views about the proposals, and offering to set up a meeting for them with myself and my councillor colleagues.

I have sent copies of both these letters to the Editorial Department of this paper in the hope that they may be able to publish them at least in part.

If I were to be thought to have a prejudicial interest in this development, then when it appeared before the Plans Panel I would be expected to declare it and absent myself from the meeting whilst it was being discussed. Failure to do so could result in my being reported to the Standards Committee.

I could certainly not vote on the issue. I am surprised that Mr King did not know this.

Finally, Mr King obviously thinks he has a crystal ball if as he says 'you can tell he's not up for re-election for four years'. The fact I am there for four years must say something, and unless I stop enjoying representing the people of Guiseley and Rawdon, and defending their interests I may well be in his way at the 2008 elections.

Coun Graham Latty

111 Harrogate Road,

Rawdon.

Bridge issue

SIR - In last week's edition, 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.

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.

State injustice

SIR, - As a carer, who has recently passed retirement age, but continues to serve as a pensioner carer, may I share my experience of injustices governing state pensions and benefits.

Basically, carers to the elderly and disabled are rewarded, at retirement, by a cut in the Invalid Care Allowance, increased taxation and means testing. This raises the moral question: should caring be only a family duty, or a responsibility for the whole of society?

If so, how do we fund those who provide the care? Is it unfair to expect the taxpayer to contribute to this cost? Are we just a resource to be exploited?

To put this in perspective, more money is spent on immigrant benefits and criminals in prison than carers. So "who cares for the carers?"

The rules as they stand suggest taxpayers should not fund a carer's love and devotion. And yet, if carers refuse this duty, the cost would fall on the State.

The latest research indicates that carers save the Health and Social Services more than £80 billion per year. This is equivalent of another NHS service! Should this be recognised and do carers deserve decent treatment, especially after the age of retirement?

My experience as a pensioner carer is that it is not, and the saying 'who cares for the carer?' remains an unanswered question.

Firstly, all those approaching pension age should be aware that payment of the state pension is not automatic. It has to be applied for and if left longer than three months after the retirement birthday, no back pay will be given.

Also, not only is the state pension means tested, but taxable as well. A double whammy for those with occupational pensions.

Pension credits and the carer's pension are also included in the tax coding. So if carer has saved for an occupational pension or private pension they will pay more income tax after retirement than before!

Instead of rewarding carers for prudence, we are penalised. The state gives with one hand and takes back with the other. Is this a sensible way to spend taxpayer's money and could be put to better use than duplicitous bureaucracy.

Invalid Care Allowance, the lowest of all state benefits, is stopped at retirement even though pensioners continue to work as carers, many for the rest of their lives. ICA will only be paid to pensioners who are below the minimum income level but due to means tested pension credits this will be no-one.

The rule is that both the state pension and ICA are income replacement benefits and both cannot be paid at the same time. Five years ago, Labour introduced a carer's pension. However, they refuse to recognise any service before this time and my carer's pension is only for five of the fourteen years of service I have given.

It is just 34p per week before tax, for each year of actual service. Some pension, some insult. The message is simple. If the rules remain unchanged, spend, and forget saving for the future. And remember, the next time a Labour politician tells you how much they have done for carers, tell him not to be such a hypocrite.

Malcolm Naylor

21 Grange View

Otley

True Enigma

SIR, - In contrast to the film U571, recently shown on the television, the abridged version of the true capture of Enigma in 1941 by Royal Navy personnel has been published in the Yorkshire magazine Down Your Way (issue 81).

The article produced by Peter A Watson, vice-chairman of Horsforth Historical Society, and illustrated by a number of his own photographs, covers the adoption of Aubretia by Horsforth, the depth charge attack on U Boat U110, Bulldog' boarding party, and the transfer of documents and the Enigma machine to Station-X Bletchley Park via Scapa Flow and two intelligence officers.

A more comprehensive account is produced in a booklet 'From Atlantic to Station X' written by the same author and available through Horsforth Museum.

A commemorative stone was erected outside the museum in November, 2001, and a parade of ex-servicemen and other organisations took place prior to a dedication ceremony. A permanent display linked to all the events is on view at the museum which is open, weekends only, Saturday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.

The main exhibition for 2004 is related to costume and accessories but other displays linked to local industry/shops are provided.

P A Watson

Vice-Chairman,

Horsforth Village Museum.

Lions roar on

SIR, - As the incoming President of Otley Lions Club, I would like to thank the people of Otley and district for their generosity over the last year.

In particular, we have been able to make a substantial donation towards improved facilities at Martin House Children's Hospice, which is entirely due to contributions from the general public.

We are already starting to plan our Christmas activities and can assure our patrons that Santa's Sleigh will once more be taking to the road in December.

However, we will also be continuing to hold our book sale at the Red Lion in Kirkgate on the last Friday of the month and the following Saturday. The next dates are August e 27 and 28.

Lions are men and women from all walks of life who enjoy serving the local community and raising funds to help those in need at home and abroad.

However we also enjoy socialising after our fundraising activities so it is not all hard work.

Otley Lions hold club meetings at the Red Lion on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and meetings begin at 8pm. We are always keen to hear from prospective members and any interested parties should contact me at the address below.

Mr Ian Cragg

Otley Lions Club,

26 Leeds Road,

Otley,

LS21 1BT.