Letters to the Editor

Sir, - The recent communication from Bradford Council regarding the Ben Rhydding Conservation Area is to be welcomed.

However, the Ben Rhydding area will continue to decline unless the local councils act urgently on the issue of The Wheatley Hotel.

For six months now, the area has been deprived of one of the key amenities which help to define an area - a local public house. Such places have for a long time been a vital cog in the system which keeps a local community vibrant, along with shops, churches and a post office.

It is time that the council put pressure on Punch Taverns to re-open The Wheatley, or to sell it to someone who will. Even more important is that the council refuse any proposal for change of use.

Ben Rhydding cannot afford to lose the amenity permanently, if it is to remain a true community.

Punch Taverns may well try to argue on economic grounds. It is only because of poor management that they could do so, and for which they themselves must shoulder the blame.

Anyone finding it impossible to profit where there is no competition simply demonstrates a lack of business acumen. It is in many people's recent memory that good management delivers a popular, well-respected, and profitable meeting place.

Not only that, it attracts visitors to the area. The opportunity is there for residents of Ben Rhydding to make their case via a response to the proposed conservation area plans, and I urge them to do so.

More importantly, the council should take the bull by the horns, and make sure that the pub, once called the 'Cow and Calf', is reopened swiftly, and that such a vital cog in the workings of a community is restored.

Alan Drew

7 Wheatley Grove,

Ben Rhydding.

Hunting ban

SIR, - Almost daily we are faced with legislation which is unnecessary and/or impractical. Increasingly the innocent and vulnerable are being let down by the law.

Meanwhile, our legislators are spending time and resources on an issue which divides country and town more than any other. Much more important than the fact that people in cities can - or will - no longer help the police to resolve crime because of fear of their peer group.

The one growth area under this current government is on law and legislation but with detrimental effect on humans.

The fox is vermin. Over the years a countryside culture has grown up which keeps a natural balance as the fox's own enemies have diminished. It may not appeal to everyone but its proponents have exactly the same minority rights as those of many similar sportsmen.

It is highly significant that, at present, the animal rights activists - frequently violent activists who should not be encouraged by Members of Parliament - have kept quiet about fishing, shooting and other activities involving animals.

Those minorities should not hold their breath; their turn will come and meanwhile they would do well to support countryside activities. Horse racing next? Other people will find that a host of allied trades from country clothing to leather and tackle products, not to mention the lives of packs of hounds, will disappear.

Yet there are animal lovers who have genuine concerns. Having witnessed ritual slaughter I am surprised they have not turned their concern in that direction - a totally unnecessary activity in countries were refrigeration is common. However, they have chosen to join the activists whose action is purely directed in class warfare.

Last year it was reported to me that within Ilkley a fox had killed two ducks and five hens in one night and, I believe, more the following night.

Finally, I am reminded of the caring person who would jump on and off his bike to kill rabbits in the final death throes of myxomatosis some years ago after nature's balance had been distorted.

The ban for which our legislators bay will result in more cruelty to foxes through poison and gunshot, not less.

B J CUSSONS

4, Curly Hill,

Ilkley.

Look to future

SIR, - Oh dear me Stanley! What an excellent description of pre the 1914 war.

Of course, farmers or anyone else, will never agree to anything to utterly crackers for the future. There will be Dolly the Sheep, Molly the Moo, designer babies, genetically altered plants.

Computers that will communicate with the planets. Travel in ways we have never dreamed about. Mrs Beckett will not be here long enough to hear about it, don't worry about her!

You only have to look at the young people born in your own area of Addingham Moorside, to see that today's young people are never going to go back to the past, like you fear. No it is the future!

They have the resolutions to pursue the future, and we must encourage them to pursue the future, not to moan about the past.

M E Hartshorne

Hardwick House Farm,

Addingham Moorside,

Ilkley.

Low life victim

SIR, - It is with great sadness I report that on Monday this week, some low life broke into my wife's car, which was parked at the top of Wells Walk in Ilkley.

The low life would have been bitterly disappointed as there was nothing in the car on view to steal. Nevertheless, after smashing the window and puncturing the passenger door lock, just to check that the car radio front was not under the seat, he or she left empty-handed.

I am sorry we could not accommodate you for your next fix of whatever you are on, but if the low life would care to leave his or her calling card next time, it would then enable me to send him or her a bill for the damage caused.

Oh, I nearly forgot, a Happy New Year to this low life and all the other low lifes who are hell bent on making honest, hard working people's lives a misery.

What did I get for Christmas? An alsatian dog. Where does he live? In my wife's car. CHEW ON THAT !!!!!

Stirling H Moore

9 High Spring Road,

Thwaites Brow,

Keighley.

Swim appeal

SIR, - If you've set yourself a New Year's resolution of getting fitter and healthier, I'll let you in on a little secret.

Swimming is the perfect solution and Butlins Swimathon 2003, the world's largest fund-raising swim, is coming to a pool near you between March 17 and 23, 2003. Last year 32,000 people raised £2.2m to help Macmillan Cancer Relief support people living with cancer.

This year, with your help, we can beat that total for Macmillan and set a new world record for the largest fund-raising swim.

We've all been touched by cancer in some way. In the UK four in ten people will be diagnosed in their lifetime. By taking in Butlins Swimathon 2003 you're helping Macmillan fund specialist doctors and nurses, buildings for cancer treatment and care, and grants for people in financial difficulties.

For more information on Butlins Swimathon 2003 or to sign up phone the Butlins Swimathon hotline 0845 36 700 36 (local rate), register online at www.swimathon.org or pick up an entry form from your local participating pool.

You say you're too busy to get wet for a good cause? I don't believe it. Kick-start 2003 and help Macmillan smash last year's total for people living with cancer.

RICHARD WILSON, OBE

Butlins Swimathon 2003,

PO Box 30775,

London,

WC1B 4QE.

Gateway to Dales

SIR, - What a nonsense, re: Airedale/Wharfedale. Ilkley is recognised as the gateway to the Dales, meaning beautiful Wharfedale.

Motorists pass the end of my road going to Bolton Abbey, Burnsall and Grassington. How can our area be recognised as Airedale? It is a ludicrous suggestion and needs to be dismissed.

Mrs D Palmer

Sycamore Drive,

Addingham