Letters to the Editor

SIR, - The remarks attributed to the Highways Officer in the December 5 edition of the Ilkley Gazette can only be described as bizarre.

Bolling Road/Springs Lane - one road in all but name - is the most accident prone road in the Ilkley area, as the toll of incidents over the last few years (a significant number fatal) shows quite clearly.

In addition to houses, the road is lined with schools, sheltered housing and the health centre - the former being frequented in large numbers by the young and vulnerable in our community; the latter disproportionately by many of the elderly and less mobile.

The official speed limit is 30mph along its length; whilst, according to the Highway Code, observation of this limit is a legal requirement, and a flouting of it is a criminal offence.

Unfortunately, the irresponsible attitude of many drivers means that there is little chance of the limit being observed without the threat of enforcement.

Happily, however, the public spirited Ilkley Community Against Speeding has organised an effective campaign against the dangerous minority of selfish motorists who regularly endanger the lives of our citizens, especially the young and very old and less mobile. This campaign has received wide support from within the community, and has brought the issue to the fore.

There can be no excuse for not implementing and enforcing the legal lower limit along the full length of this road, whilst - should such action not be taken - the blame for further deaths on this provenly dangerous route will be directly attributable to failure by the Highways Department to take the appropriate action.

Dr JIM BURTON

139 Curly Hill,

Ilkley.

Misapprehension

SIR, - Congratulations on your excellent Leader ( December 5, 2002) in support of traffic calming on Bolling Road.

As you rightly say, some traffic calming measures, in addition to the work proposed in the vicinity of Ilkley Grammar and Ben Rhydding Primary Schools, is essential.

It is a surprising fact that there are local residents who believe Bolling Road is subject to a 40 mph speed limit. Recently I was overtaken by one of them. I was able to speak to the driver when they stopped on Wheatley Lane in the la by opposite Valley Drive to collect a child.

I was told I had been dawdling at 30 mph and since Bolling Road was subject to a 40 mph speed limit it was appropriate to overtake me.

The driver was so confident of the 40 mph speed limit they reported me to the police for 'interfering and dawdling'. How do I know? 1 had a visit from the police 90 minutes later!

BOB TILLEY

High Mead,

Ben Rhydding Drive,

Ilkley.

Beautiful Burley

SIR, - With regard to last week's 'Lights thank you' letter from a resident of Burley-in-Wharfedale:

I wholeheartedly agree with everything that was expressed. Unfortunately, I was away for the respective Ilkley and Burley switch-ons, but on my return thought that the Ilkley lights were 'not bad', sort of OK, but a little thin on the ground.

On entering Burley the difference was fantastic.They were indeed quite beautiful. It was a well-planned exercise as usual by Tom Sumner and his team. Long may they continue.

I'm sure the residents are justly proud of their village - as I am.

RESIDENT

Burley-in-Wharfedale.

(Name and address supplied).

No atmosphere

SIR, - We arrived in Ilkley on Tuesday, December 3, for a spot of late night shopping, only to find a number of High Street retailers and local businesses closed.

Approaching from Station Road, we began to wonder if we'd made a mistake with the day, it was so quiet!

On an evening when one might have expected some kind of festive atmosphere, there was none apart from the Christmas lights and one store offering wine and nibbles. The queue-free shopping was pleasant - but I don't think that was the point of the evening.

Surely the local Chamber of Trade or whatever body represents Ilkley shopkeepers has an eye on this one evening in the year, with a view to attracting custom, or is it a case of individual choice?

A thank-you then, to all those who made the effort to stay open,

Keith and Mary Dale

Endor Grove,

Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Local contact

SIR, - Thank you for publishing a letter from Richard Briers, the President of the Parkinson's Disease Society, in your issue dated December 5.

The new website is indeed excellent and can provide a wide range of information.

However, those who do not have access to the internet or the correct software can contact Skipton branch on (01943) 603269 or (01535) 636765 and/or the Airedale PCT Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist on 07855832407

Help and advice from the society is open to ALL - not just members. So if you have any concerns, worries or if you want someone to talk to about the disease, please call.

Gordon Phasey

gordon-phasey1@activemail.co.uk

Out of hand

SIR, - Obviously there's not much we can do with inconsiderate neighbours when it comes to late night fireworks but the best and simplest way to show your displeasure with the Craiglands Hotel and Coral Windows is to boycott them. Then they might consider whether their late night fun is really worth it.

The whole fireworks thing is really getting out of hand. My father-in-law found a rocket stick in his garden after bonfire night and it was the size of a small tree stake. It could easily have gone through someone's window if it had misfired and should not have been let off in an urban area.

If fireworks are going to get louder and bigger then they should be limited to public displays such as those done by the Rugby Club and Bolton Abbey.

D J A Walker

42 Wheatley Avenue,

Ben Rhydding,

Ilkley.

Money unclaimed

SIR, - I wonder how many readers of this newspaper know that official Government figures show that only half the people actually entitled to disability benefits actually claim them, and of those who do claim, nearly one-fifth are under-claiming.

The figures also show that there is a particular under-claim of Disability Living Allowance by those aged 55 to 64, and that take-up of Income Support was lowest amongst pensioner households, and that 38 per cent of those who would have been entitled to Income Support had they claimed, were in receipt to DLA or Attendance Allowance.

Why do people not claim these benefits? Because they do not know they may be entitled and are often too afraid, or too proud, to ask for advice. Or perhaps because claiming is such a difficult process with complicated claim fors and intrusive, repetitive questions.

As an independent advice agency,Disability Advice and Information Services (DAIS) wants to ensure people are aware of the benefits available to them.

We would be delighted to offer readers the chance to take advantage of a free benefits check to see if they may be entitled to claim any extra benefits. For details, contact DAIS on (01257) 424000, or write to us at the address below.

PAUL BRENNAN

Director,

DAIS,

81a High Street,

Standish,

Wigan WN6 0HD.

Cycling ace's plea

SIR, - As someone who has always had a passion for cycling, I am appealing on behalf of the medical charity, Action Research, to your readers to take part in a fantastic bike event.

Why not enjoy the ride of your life and take part in the King of the Mountains Alpine Bike Challenge, or join in the fun of the London to Paris Cycle Ride - both old which are taking place in July, 2003?

The Alpine Bike Challenge on July 3-7 tests your endurance and determination and climbing power across the French and Swiss Alps. The London to Paris adventure gives you the chance to visit Paris to see the final stage of the Tour de France. The event is from July 23-27.

Register for either of these events for only £99, by calling the events hotline on (01732) 744031, by e-mail at events@actionresearch.org.uk or go to www.actionresearch.or.uk/events .

As someone who has suffered with a debilitating brittle bone condition, similar to osteoporosis, I understand only too well the importance of Action Research's vital medical studies.

Famous for its work in developing the UK's first polio vaccine, Action Research carries out pioneering research to benefit children and families across the country.

CHRIS BOARDMAN

World cycling champion,

Action Research.