Letters to the editor

SIR, - I write to you with great concern that misguided council policies are seriously damaging the health of the public and ratepayrers o f Bradford

In particular, the council has a policy which is , in fact, illustrated on a large noticeboard when you approach Ilkley from Addingham of 'Reducing Congestion in Ilkley'.

This seems admirable, but they are doing it by making as many obstacles and delays as possible to traffic approaching Ilkley from Leeds or Bradford ( and more particularly from Addingham and Skipton, with the idea tht if is becomes difficuly, enough people will take another route.

There used to be one set of traffic lights in Ilkley, at the junction of Leeds Road and Brook Street - there are now eight.

The worst set of traffic lights are the ones situated at the junction of Victoria Avenue and Skipton Road, on the Addingham side of Ilkley. Traffic at peak times of the day is very often backed up to Addingham. which has the effect of motorists being exposed to exhaust fumes for a very long period while progressing slowly into Ilkley.

The traffic lights at Victoria Avenue could easily have been put in at Easby Drive. In that location, had it been necessary, it would have cause much less conn=gestion as the road is wider than at Victoria Avenue. However, more importantly, right-turning traffic from Addingham and Skipton would not obstruct the traffic going through Ilkley, because there is a middle lane for right-turning traffic at that location.

The chairman of Adingham Parish Council has similar concerns to mine and many other people. He has made representations (as have I) and we have both been ignored.

The problem could be reduced by having a 'No right turn' for traffic travelling from Skipton and Addingham into Victoria Avenue, and those people wishing to turn riight could do so at the next junction (Easby Drive).

The health of people from Adingham and other counties is being put at risk by these policies and are also being seriously inconvenienced. As it happen, these people are paying rates to the same authority which is leaving them exposed and obstructing them.

This letter has also gone to the Health and Safety Executive in Leeds.

P WHITAKER

32-34 The Grove,

Ilkley.

Verges problem

SIR, - For how long are the residents of Ilkley to suffer post war planning schemes? Multi-car ownership, coupled with recent festivities proved grass verges in certain residential areas to be more of a liability than an amenity.

It is time they were removed and the roads widen. This would lead to a more harmonious relationship between neighbours, and considerebale brass would be saved by not cutting the grass.

I understand that Leeds City Council did as much on The Broadway running through Horsforth. Many of them complained until they realised thaty it relieved them of unwanted animal deposits, mud and grass cuttings. and gave much required parking space.

Should emergency services be called to one of those areas, valuable time could be lost because of parked cars on narrow roads.

It could be you the emergency services are trying to reach. What is more important _ a grass verge of the well being of the whole community?

FRAZER IRWIN

Queens Road,

Ilkley.

Having a ball

SIR, - We attended the Vienniese Ball at the Kings Hall, Ilkley, on Saturday, February 11, promoted to raise £1 million by Gala Promotions for the British Heart Foundation.

We would just like to say 'thank you' to everyone involved for their hard work in making the night so memorable. The atmosphere was delightful and all who attended had made the effort to get into the spirit of things and get the 'glad rags on'.

The orchestra worked hard to make the Vienniese evening special, along with the young dancers. who gave a lovelly performance of the waltz and ballet, and it was such a pity that there was such a small number of people in attendance.

Perhaps, if there is to be another one, a lot more advertising of the event would help. After all, it is for a very good cause.

J and K JACKSON

297 Bradford Road,

Otley.

FOOTNOTE: The winner of our competition for tickets to the event was Susan Singleton, of Yeadon - Editor.

'Trav' memories

SIR, - I was saddened to read of the closure oi the Il Trovatore in your issue of January 16. I used to live a short distance away from the club, and in two year I never experienced any trouble. Indeed, I used to hear more noise from the abbatoir.

I have many happy memories of the night club and was a regular when it was known as The Minstrel's. Pepe was a good host who calmly dealt with troublemakers.

He never forgot a face and, years later,when I visited with a large group of friends, Pepe would not accept payment and provided us all with complimentary drinks.

It is a shame that an amicable solution could not be found to satisfy all concerned. Ilkley has lost an institution.

G ASTBURY

Well Close,

Addingham.

White Wells

SIR, - In order to clarify my views re White Wells. Yes I have a 'gut' feeling that White Wells and the Moors could be better under the stewardship of Trustees or Conservators.

I believe there is adequate expertise within the area for suitable people to be found with interest.

However, I am aware of the underlying problem and I do have concerns. I for one cannot afford to take a decision which does not produce a successful outcome for the valley.

White Wells is in no danger of being sold, although one can never say never. White Wells will never be a priority within Bradford - it is a priority for Ilkley and valley residents.

A trust would have a dowry ownership and with it responsibilities. However, another opinion is to ring fence the dowry for the use of the moors and White Wells. This opinion would also include the formation of a 'Friends' group. There would be a business plan and service contract.

The second option would be simpler and less 'risky'. Principally, there would be no VAT complication. The object of the recent meeting was to have a round table or big tent to discuss these options.

Incidentally, the rights of the tenants of White Wells remain the same whichever option is selected.

Coun Anne Hawkesworth

Bradford District Council

and Ilkley Parish Council.

Not the end

SIR, - The Gazette reported (February 16) that the Area Planning Panel had passed the planning proposals for the chapels in Ilkley Cemetery. That is not the end of the matter.

Plannings report to the panel pointed out that planning issues are separate to property issues. The powers of the council as property owner are not affected by planning decisions.

Bradford Council, as owners, must honour the rights of visitors to the cemetery, which are written into the lease. If they do not do so, that would show bias against the visitors.

In the lease, Bradford Council positively bans 'use of the property for any purpose which causes offence to persons visiting the cemetery. The management of Property Services (Estates) has been told by visitors that they are offended by the proposals to establish two firms in the chapels, with all their attendant activities.

Bradford Council has control over the tenant because there can be no sub-leasing by the tenant without it being previously licensed by the council. Bradford Council has an obligation in the lease to visitors to graves and burials.

Councillors should get a grip on what is going on. The offence to visitors has been told to them at the highest level in the council. The council should stop ignoring us.

They should start talking to us. Not 'at us - but 'to us. They could do that through a powerful cross-party committee meeting us in public session - for the purpose of satisfying our rights in the matter.

Our interest is to retain for everybody a 'quality of life that includes respect and an atmosphere of peace in the cemetery for our loved ones in those graves; and for the precious memories that we have of them.

EDWIN S C H I R N

18 Victoria Grove,

Ilkley.

Bankruptcy help

SIR, - I am the founder of the Bankruptcy Association and we are now in our 24th year offering independent advice to people in debt or bankruptcy.

We are a UK-wide organisation , and bankruptcies throughout the UK are now running at record levels, with more than 47,000 people going bankrupt during 2005. In 2006 so far, tjhe numbers are showing an increase of 50 per cent on 2005.

These huge numbers are due to the increasing numbers of people running into difficulties because of credit card debts and other loans, as well as people whose businesses fail. People going bankrupt face a wide range of problems, inclusing the real chance that they will lose their home, if they own one.

Our association has a vast wealth of experience to help people deal sensibly with their debt and bankruptcy problems. Over the years we have developed a a very sensible and structured system to help people from every walk of life, and our system is extremely confidential.

The advice we offer is pragmatic and extremely well tried and tested. We have helped tens of thousands of people to deal with every imaginable type of debt problem.

We also have available a range of specialist legal services to deal with more complicated debt and bankruptcy problems.

We have also recently published a new edition of our popular guide book, Bankruptcy Explained, which explains in layman's language all the changed that have occurred in bankruptcy law since the introduction of the Enterprise Act, which has liberalised our bankruptcy laws.

This costs £14.95 (post free) and may be obtained by writing to our freepost address: The Bankruptcy Association, Freepost LA1118, 4 Johnson Close, Lancaster, LA1 5BR.

More details about our services can be ontained by visiting our website at www.theba.org.uk or by telephoning our inquiry line on (01524) 782713

JOHN McQUEEN

Founder and Chief Executive,

The Bankruptcy Association.

Traffic issue

SIR, - I have read your ongoing correspondence with regard to traffic congestion in Ilkley with interest and would like to propose an immediate and straightforward solution.

A bypass around the town would, it is true, reduce traffic flows through the town considerably, but would be likely to cost many, many millions of pounds. A partial solution already exists in the the Keighley gate road leading over Rombalds Moor could be widened marginally and be given an improved surface.

Admittedly, this would increase the traffic flow up Wells Road, but that inconvenience would be offset by a reduction in traffic using either the Burley-in-Wharfedale or Addingham main roads out of town as a means of access to Silsden, Keighley, Bingley, Saltaire, Shipley and beyond and, of course, vice versa.

JAMES P TURNER

Stilton Grange,

Askwith.

Qui vive .....

SIR, - If Frazer Irwin (Letters, February 16) must resort to Latin, eschewing an equivalent English cliche, then at least he should quote accurately.

His hexameter does not scan. It should be: Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis.

STEPHEN TENDLOW

4 Birchwood Court,

Ilkley.