SIR - In reply to F Birtwhistle "The horses that should be banned" (Letters, March 2). On behalf of my fellow riders, I can say that we were not aware we provided the rose-growers of Wilsden with such a beneficial and organic product - unlike the dog droppings that always seem impossible to avoid.

On a more serious note, stable-owners and riders are fully conscious of their responsibilities with regard to the countryside and particularly with the devastating consequences of the foot-and-mouth epidemic. To suggest otherwise is lamentable.

In a rural community, horses have always been an animated part of a beautiful landscape. Unfortunately motorised traffic has increased the danger to riders - especially the young and less experienced.

Any legal route to access bridleways and open land will be considered in an effort to reduce risks to horses, their riders and motorists, and we hope most residents will continue to enjoy our presence as an integral part of the rural community.

John Smith, Park Way, West Bowling, Bradford.

SIR - Contrary to Mr Williams-Berry's statement, there is no right to roam on all agricultural land. The new law will allow a limited right to roam on upland areas where farming is uneconomic.

Instead of leaving these farmers to sink into worse and worse economic circumstances, tourism can bring in the amounts of money needed to redress the balance. The right to roam brings in the tourists.

It has been abundantly clear during this disease outbreak that the necessary exclusion of tourists has been causing severe economic damage.

The foot-and-mouth outbreak was not caused by walkers or by the right to roam. Experts believe it was caused by a tiny number of farmers using unsterilised pigswill and then rapidly spread by animal dealers. However, until the outbreak is controlled, it is crucial that everybody, not just ramblers, must avoid all land which contains susceptible animals.

Yes, there are thousands of miles of footpaths, but some areas of the countryside have few paths and in other areas many are illegally blocked. A successful economic future for rural areas requires an enhanced footpath network and the right to roam.

Ray Wilkes, Tower Road, Shipley.

SIR - Powerhouse, a small department of Newlands, are always asking for volunteers to help on estates.

I do not disagree with this in principle, but Powerhouse has fourteen paid workers to run a small department.

We are told tenants should run schemes on estates but Powerhouse dictates on most schemes.

The people in Newlands should stand up and fight for our rights and cut out the management to save money to use on projects.

J R Smith, Flawith Drive, Fagley.

SIR - I wanted to pick up on the comments in the T&A made by the chairman of Skylark, Brendan Larkin, to try and ensure that some of what has been said is brought into perspective and does not affect Bradford Bulls' drive to continue to attract corporate partners.

I have been involved with the Bulls for many years. It has been one of my long-term goals to get our logo/branding on to the club's kit and, while Skylark did conclude their sponsorship deal prior to mine, the club had been speaking to me long before Skylark came on the scene about RBR picking up from Appleyards on the shirt collar.

As far as the rest of the points that are made, all I would say is "for God's sake. give the people a chance". We have only played two games at Valley Parade.

Bradford Bulls' directors, players and staff go out of their way to ensure that, as a sponsor, you have every opportunity to achieve what you want out of your sponsorship.

I am really sorry that Brendan feels the way he does because he has benefited enormously from the club's high profile. His name and that of his company are associated with the club's success. If he does not sort this out, it will only be his reputation that is damaged.

Mark E Minton, RBR Insurance Group, Riverside Business Park, Leeds Road, Ilkley.

SIR - Please could someone change the sequence of the lights for the ring road at Killinghall Road/Leeds Old Road junction to prevent gridlock to Undercliffe?

N Gardner, Rufford, Yeadon.

SIR - The refurbishment of the Tong Garden Centre after the disastrous fire in the autumn of 1999 is nearing completion.

Thousands of customers were saddened by the catastrophe which almost ruined this splendid family business.

My friend and I paid a visit this week and were delighted with the bigger and better layout and display of their gardening and associated merchandise.

However, I would like to criticise the wording of the toilet signs "Females" or "Males". Surely that's going back to near Victorian days when such signs were commonplace in Bradford mills!

"Ladies"and "Gentleman" are much nicer.

Perhaps the offending signs would be more appropriately sited in the guinea pig, rabbit, and mouse department of this super gardening centre.

Ken Baxter, King's Road, Bradford 2.

SIR - I am hoping that one of your readers can put me in touch with the Brooksbank family of Guiseley.

My 91-year-old uncle - Vic Cox of Lambourn, Berks - has written his life story, which has been accepted for publication in the Plowright Press "Ordinary Lives" series. In it he writes about Geoff Brooksbank and their time serving with the RASC in Iceland and North Africa during World War Two.

My uncle lost touch with Geoff after they were demobbed, but having stirred up memories writing the book, he would like to know how life turned out for him.

They shared a love of music. If any of the Brooksbank family read this, please get in touch with me and I will pass on any information and let them have details of the book, which is due to come out later this year.

Mrs Jill Wohlgemuth, 36 Grove Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 6AX, (Tel: 01322 400520).