SIR - Just as predicted - it happened!

Some time ago you reported on a complaint to Cross Hills Parish Council regarding a request for a street lamp to be erected at the bottom of Royd Close, Cross Hills, quoted at the time as being a thief's paradise blackspot!

They took the matter seriously and wrote to North Yorkshire County Council's street lamp division. Obviously county did not see the light, for they have a ruling that lamps must be a set distance from each other and by moving the present lamp 10 metres, to cover the blackspot, would contravene this rule. More than their job's worth!

They did, however, replace at great expense the present lamps, then using their initiative they put back in the low wattage, orange bulb that is as dim as their brains.

The thieves, credit where it's due, waited patiently for their work to be finished, then monitored the end result. I bet they split their sides laughing when they saw the same dim, orange light, declaring "no change" inviting them to carry on.

Sadly, at 1am on Thursday July 11 they did just that. They stole the van belonging to a young man within the blackspot area quoted. He has a wife and a young son to provide for and he needed the van to carry his work equipment and, as a joiner, to enable him to move from job to job.

What is the point of the council, police and government asking the general public for help to stop crime, when they themselves encourage it.

Are they just dim or are we, the general public, all clairvoyants, able to see and to predict crimes?

This was predicted two years ago, an obvious crime blackspot! Cross Hills Parish Council is offering a £100 reward to anyone reporting the names of the vandals and thieves.

Wouldn't it have been better spent on a "bright" light bulb?

Who will compensate this decent, hard working young man and replace the stolen van and joinery equipment to allow him to work? Will the Government, council and police?

In a way I suppose they will, for whilst they cannot afford a street lamp, they courteously say if you cannot genuinely work you can join the State Benefit Club!

I hope this letter will turn on a light or two, to enable the council, police and government, to see that the prevention of crime is still cheaper than dealing with the after effects of it!

Anna Duggan,

Holmroyd Avenue, Cross Hills.

SIR - I write in response to the Curmudgeon's article of July 19.

For the past four years I have had a pair of greater spotted woodpeckers visiting my garden. Recently I saw a smaller bird with a red crown (a feature of young greater spotted woodpeckers) appear and I assumed that was what it was.

However, after reading the article, and on taking a closer look at both bird and bird book, I realise I also have a visiting lesser spotted woodpecker. There is only one at the moment but I keep filling the peanut holders in the hope that I may eventually see more.

Jean Bradley,

Mearbeck, Long Preston.

SIR - I refer to last week's article where the owners of a second quarry at Helwith Bridge are applying to extend the life of the quarry.

The combined effect would appear to be quarry workings (and associated traffic) until at least 2010. There appears to be a perfectly reasonable railway line which might be capable of carrying some of the quarry traffic. Is this method being considered?

It would undoubtedly cost the railway owners and/or the quarry in the short-term to implement this, but probably less over the long-term. And what of the costs to the local community right now?

Allan Gould,

Higher Halsteads, Settle,

SIR - Special thanks to the residents, visitors and businesses of Skipton for their kind understanding and support with regards to the policing arrangements for the Duke of Wellington's Regiment Freedom Parade.

Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience which was caused.

Much thought and planning is put into such operations to ensure the safety of everyone attending.

I am pleased to report that the event passed without incident.

Inspector Tad Nowakowski,

Skipton Police.

SIR - In March this year, the Craven Herald reported that the problem of heavy quarry truck traffic through Settle town centre was at last being taken seriously by Settle town council.

It was also reported that the council was studying schemes operating in two towns in Cumbria, which seemed to be offering a partial solution to the problem.

It is now July. May we know what progress has been made?

I have made investigations into one of the Cumbrian schemes, operating in the market town of Alston. A voluntary scheme, allowing empty lorries to travel through the town, whilst laden vehicles use an alternative route, operates very effectively. The scheme has the backing of the operators of the local cement works (the destination of most the vehicles in question).

Interestingly, the problem in Alston was identified due to around 40 trucks a day passing through the town. At the last count, more than 400 heavy lorries travel through Settle each day (including Saturdays).

As at least one of the quarry operators in the Settle area has announced a proposed increase in extractions, the quarry traffic problem in the town can only increase.

When will something be done?

Andrew Fawcett,

Skipton Road, Settle.

SIR - I must reply to Mr Leakey's intemperate remarks (Craven Herald Letters, July 12).

I have never heard of any proposals for five motorways through the Dales. No doubt this has been suppressed by "them".

The Aire Valley motorway proposal was cancelled for lack of money, as I remember. I do indeed know that the M65 was due to run past my house in Cowling. I knew it when I bought the house because the solicitor told me, and showed me the proposed map. I was not concerned.

"Spaghetti junction" at Kildwick? Rubbish.

Most of Britain's roads were built in the 19th century. We should have better roads, and quickly, because traffic congestion costs us all time and money, and we as motorists get precious little back from the taxes we pay on motoring.

Moreover, modern vehicles produce only about a tenth of the pollution of a vehicle of only ten years ago. Yes, noise pollution increases with speed, but modern vehicles are quieter too. Exhaust pollution does tend to hang around in quiet windless conditions, and on sunny days causes smog. Just how many quiet, windless sunny days do we get in this country?

I wouldn't say that the Bingley bypass is "frantically" happening. To my eyes it seems to be proceeding at a snail's pace as I drive past the construction sites twice a day.

Why call the Aire Valley "Death Valley"? Motorways and dual carriageways are safer than ordinary roads, because they have been well designed and planned, and pedestrians and animals are kept away from them. More emotive talk, I fear.

I am all in favour of viable alternative transport technology. Electric cars, solar power, LPG, yes, when they become viable. How many filling stations stock LPG? Very few. How many cars can you buy equipped for LPG? I can think of only two.

I suspect Mr Leakey is thinking of his own ideas for alternative transport. I have read his thesis on this subject, and it won't work.

Geoffrey Theasby,

Middleton, Cowling.

SIR - I note the dearth this summer of correspondence regarding the need to eradicate the ragwort plant. Either those advocating the destruction of this species haven't noticed it flourishing in the guttering at the top of the bakery shop in Swadford Street or they have but haven't heard of Milhaud's composition "La Boeuf sur le Toit" and so ignore it.

K Wright,

Tarn Moor Crescent, Skipton.

SIR - On our way to have our weekly pint at Litton, my friend and I were peacefully delayed by a large flock of sheep and were saddened to see how their fleeces were in tatters due - we imagined as laymen - to the recent hot weather, probable insect attack and rubbing themselves against the dry stone walls.

Remembering the recent genetic engineering development of 'Dolly' by scientists, we idly thought how financially productive it might be were they to cross a sheep with a cow.

The resultant amount of wool would far exceed the yield of a sheep.

Musing on our thought, we confided in the landlord at Litton that we had not been able to think of a suitable name, to which he immediately responded that it could only be a "Moobaa".

We offer this true story to your readers so that when scientists eventually do produce this highly profitable hybrid, we shall remember it all originated in the Dales.

Donald Wilcox,

Garrs End Lane, Grassington.

SIR - The third Roger Wilman Golf Tournament organised by John Hayes took place last week at Skipton Golf Club.

Prize winners were: (first) Sam Cotterill, (second) Tom Wilman, (third) Tim Richardson.

The highly entertaining evening auction at the Tarn House, Stirton, was well supported, the star item being a commemorative polo shirt which raised £500 making a magnificent total for both events of £3,402 for CancerBACUP (a charity providing information and support for people affected by cancer) in memory of Roger.

Many thanks to all those who attended and made the day so special.

Sue Wilman,

Princes Drive, Skipton.

SIR - There is a little book which we should like to get hold of (ie buy), the History of Lothersdale.

My cousin, whose mother's family came from Clapham, lent his copy to a colleague when he emigrated to New Zealand some years back. The colleague's dog promptly chewed it up into irretrievable pieces.

Although we have looked for a copy in Lothersdale, in second hand book shops, in churches etc, we have only tracked down a copy in Keighley Library and that is not available to a buyer. We have been unable to trace a seller, nor even an owner. The book was probably acquired some 40 years ago. A letter in your pages might just alert some family to part with it.

Connie Jefferies,

26 Minerva Court,

Tower St,

Cirencester GL7 1EF

SIR - I entirely support the strong sentiments expressed in your letters column (July 19) featuring the recalcitrance of Craven District Council, or Skipton Town Council, whichever, about the reluctance to display the art exhibition banner.

The Town Hall is an important hub for art exhibitions and the like and have fees to match. A little give and take would not go amiss.

May I also add that Bradley village news last week implied some dispute between the rounders team and the football/cricket club activity.

It should be emphasised that the playing fields are held in trust by Bradley Parish Council. No-one has priority. The areas used for cricket and football are recognised for these purposes, but they do not own the land. Whoever is playing any sport does not inhibit the rounders team from using ample land available to them.

Edward Germaine,

Victoria Terrace, Bradley.

SIR - Thank goodness that the reports from the Government inquiries are in favour of vaccination instead of the mass culling policy to control any future outbreaks of foot and mouth.

I am, however, not celebrating too soon as I have yet to hear any Government Minister say that culling will never happen again. This is not surprising since the Animal Health Bill which promotes culling and gives the Government complete autonomy in their policies has now been exhumed after being put on hold by the Lords.

It is now at committee stage and will almost certainly become law before the end of this Parliamentary session. One can only hope that our Government has a change of heart and listens not only to the wisher of its electorate but the findings of its own inquiries and abandons its immoral restrictive policy of culling healthy animals.

Jean Dixon,

Three Peaks, Ingleton.

SIR - I understand from the Craven Herald that Yorwaste has signed a lucrative contract to take waste from Bradford Metropolitan District and dump the waste in Skibeden tip near Skipton.

This can only mean that Craven's waste disposal site is going to fill up much more quickly than through our own use, for which planning permission was given. When Skibeden is full, where can we find another site?

Also, I expect that the heavy goods drivers delivering to Skibeden will do the same as other waggons and use Keighley Road and the town centre as a quicker route for their vehicles.

So we get more rubbish and more traffic, for Yorwaste more profit.

S Phillip,

Keighley Road, Skipton.

SIR - It is obvious to me that Mrs Proctor and Mr Bradley have totally missed the point of my letter of July 12 in respect of the Settle Community School PTA Summer Spectacular.

I have no objection to any event being held at any venue. I have attended and supported many,.

The Petticoat Lane held on July 20 in the Market Square was very jolly. I walked up the hill on the lantern walk at the end of the Jubilee celebrations. I have dropped money into buckets for all sorts of causes.

Yes I do know how much hard work goes into organising any event. I have personal experience. I am sure the dancing group, the singer and guitarist and the impersonator were wonderful.

My objection was purely, simply, solely, singly, to the level of the noise emanating from the event. Had the noise level been lower I would have come across and given a donation to support your cause. Please re-read my letter.

Mrs S Price,

Station Road, Settle.

Editor's note: Views have been aired on both sides and Mrs Price has the last word.

SIR - Please, please, please don't sack the doctor.

Your medical diarist is a breath of fresh air; a thoughtful, questioning, generous-hearted human being. Perhaps he is a little too challenging for some readers (Craven Herald Letters, July 19).

As for the drunken 15-year-old and his parents who demanded a hospital bed, I am sure your readers can make up their own minds about such "logic".

Dr Fleming raises profound issues which are a credit to a local newspaper and would not be out of place in a national broadsheet. There his column might be more appreciated.

Elaine Brunswick,

Main Street, Cononley.

SIR - On August 6 1945, when the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, I was still at school.

I remember my distress and horror that the means of creating such a gruesome weapon could spread to those who wished to control other peoples by fear.

In the mid-1950s many of us joined a major movement to raise awareness of the growing threat as more countries acquired the know-how.

Now, 57 years later the stability of the world is rocked by conflicts in which the possession of nuclear weapons increases the tension and panic. My generation has lived in a time of war, of international crises, and of the Cold War. I grieve that our grandchildren too are faced with living in a climate of fear.

August 6 this year could be a time of remembrance and also a time to reflect on the evil that we humans inflict on one another by war.

We could say: "We solve no problems by war and the suffering it causes. Let us insist that our leaders find a better way".

Elma Harland

Intake Lane, Grassington.