MP Ann 'a realist'

I agree with Mr Malik, Ann is a real menace.

A menace to the loan sharks who tried to take an old lady's home, a menace to the people who cause distress to her constituents and a menace to the spineless politicians who frequent town halls and certain other useless organisations and institutions.

Ann Cryer's commitment to Keighley is well recognised and needs no further comment here. She is of course a realist, not a racist.

We could even suggest that if more politicians had her dedication and commitment, the Bradford riots would not have taken place and neither would three BNP members have seats on Pendle council.

I suggest to Shahid Malik that when he levels criticism he, being a member of Labour's National Executive Committee, should come forward with viable alternatives instead of lashing out at those who try to solve issues that concern the decent law abiding people in this area.

R P BEALE

Skipton Road

Cononley

SIR - Through the newspaper I would like to say I have nothing but praise for our NHS.

On June 12 I had an unfortunate car accident in Oxenhope and my grateful thanks go to the emergency services for their quick response.

The firefighter who released me from my car and the police and paramedics who looked after me so well.

I would also like to thank the many friends and neighbours who came to my aid at the accident. The staff of the A&E department of AGH and sister and staff on ward 10.

I much appreciate the help and TLC from everyone at Herncliffe Nursing Home, who have given me back my confidence and helped me to look forward to recovery in the near future.

Last but not least my thanks go to my family and friends, who have supported me through a very difficult time.

AUDREY COX

Address supplied

SIR - As many of your readers will be aware, the Keighley Town Council was recently formed.

With the clerk and the press representative, 32 people crowd into our Town Hall. When honoured guests and visiting speakers visit, they are given the advantage of sitting at the large table which is situated in the middle of the chambers. Right from the first day the Keighley Town Councillors established a routine for the future benefit of this town.

Every week the committee structure is being strengthened. The groundwork is being undertaken by an unpaid but enthusiastic band of Keighley men and women. Such is the enthusiasm that I am proud to be amongst these people.

We expect pitfalls. Being new to the job we will make mistakes.

Making mistakes means we will be criticised, by those who would rather hammer the new found democracy than help.

We are trying to set standards of behaviour, of dress, of conduct. Such standards are already being disparaged, not by the Keighley Town Council members, but by our critics. We have demanded high quality service from all those people who wish to be involved with Keighley.

The engagement with Bradford Council is proceeding very slowly. However, contrary to our expectations, many Bradford officers are willing to visit and give valuable help and advice.

Praise must also be given to Cllr Mallinson, who has attended some of our numerous meetings, giving guidance when needed.

I note that Cllr Glen Miller also attended in his official capacity, and wish that all the other District Councillors would attend. What really impresses me is the vitality of business people who have come forward and who now wish to make Keighley into a boom town.

Something that should have happened years ago.

CLLR BRIAN HUDSON

SIR - Having had my wheelie bin stolen I contacted the council refuge dept for a replacement.

To my horror I was told that, as of 1st July 2002, stolen bins will only be replaced if the householder pays £25

Although I pointed out to the council employee that on the front of each wheelie bin it clearly states Property of Bradford Metropolitan Council, which in effect means it was not me who had had their bin stolen, but them!

I didn't see why I should have to pay to replace their property.

This argument seemed to be getting me nowhere.

Until, while recounting the last known movements of my vanishing bin to this policy driven council employee, she enthusiastically exclaimed '0h if your bin was stolen from the kerbside where we have asked you to leave it for collection, then we will pay for a replacement'. It seems the council's new policy is if, through no fault of your own, your bin is stolen from your garden then it will cost you £25.

Gary Pedley

Wardle Crescent, Keighley

SIR - A death sentence has been passed for one of the murderers of journalist Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

Yet we keep the Moors Murderers, Sutcliffe and Shipman in reasonable comfort for the rest of their lives at our tax payers' expense.

You know what will happen in this case. One of these murderers, being British born, will appeal against his sentence.

He will get it changed to life through this government's intervention and be brought back to this country to serve, if any of his sentence, as parole is a doddle in the UK. If it was left to me I would put them all into a car crusher.

STAN MOULES

Exley Head