Letters to the Editor

On my visits to different parts of the United Kingdom since my Accession, it is the reporters and photographers from the regional press who turn out at all times and in all weathers to cover the story, and this has been particularly true during the Golden Jubilee tours.

For each visit has a purpose, whether it is to celebrate an important event or activity, to raise the profile of a specific cause or organisation, or to recognise achievement and success.

The regional media, in recording these occasions, helps to put into context the invaluable public and voluntary work being done day in and day out around the country.

The traditional role of serving the community has never been more important than it is today.

It seems to me that people need a sense of community, a sense of belonging, now more than ever, and that regional newspapers help to meet that need.

I am delighted to send this reply to your message of greetings on the occasion of Local Newspaper Week, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone - readers and newspaper staff - who have given my family and me such loyalty and encouragement since I came to the throne in 1952.

I believe regional newspapers are performing a vital role in our national life and I wish them - and all their readers - continued success in the years to come.

Elizabeth R, June 24, 2002

SIR - I agree wholeheartedly with your plea to retain the magnificent trees on Skipton Road.

In my view the congestion for traffic coming into town from Skipton Road is caused by the phasing of the traffic lights at the Cavendish Street junction, and those at the pedestrian crossing and bus station exit further south.

Frequently I find that only four or five southbound cars get through on the green light, and sometimes the junction is blocked by traffic which has encountered red lights further down North Street.

By comparison, traffic flowing north has a considerably longer green phase and frequently gets a clear run out of town.

If I am right about this then neither felling trees nor widening the road will have any effect other than to ruin the visual amenities.

Before resorting to drastic measures such as tree felling, can we see some experimentation with the traffic lights, aimed at reducing the hold-ups for traffic coming in from Skipton Road?

It would be very helpful if whoever is in charge of the traffic lights would enlighten us as to the philosophy adopted at the Cavendish Road junction and how it responds to the build up of traffic in any direction.

David Cannon

St James Vicarage

Haworth Road,

Cross Roads

SIR - It is really shocking that the highway engineers at Bradford Council have suggested cutting down mature trees in order to 'improve' the traffic situation.

Transport and traffic are an important part of our society but they should not dominate it. It is because planners put traffic before everything else that they come up with such environmentally horrific schemes, which are always self-defeating because they encourage more traffic growth and even bigger traffic jams.

Although these roads are important main roads, they are in a residential area so that they should have a 20 mph speed limit. This would make a cycle lane unnecessary, either for cyclists or to act as a buffer between traffic and pedestrians.

The road would then be much more attractive for pedestrians and people could enjoy the trees as they walked into town getting healthy exercise.

As Keighley has excellent bus services, and instead of seeking to provide more parking places, the council should do more to encourage bus use. Cars and lorries are an important part of modern society but they should not dominate it or the traffic situation will get worse and worse.

Ray Wilkes

Tower Road,

Shipley

SIR - I have just been reading your sister paper the Keighley Target. Two stories caught my attention, but in reality they are both the same story.

On page 2 there is a story about a 31-house new housing scheme being approved in principle by the Keighley Area Planning Panel.

Anyone who has followed recent planning applications will be aware that there is a problem with the combined sewage/rainwater pipe which carries waste water away from Silsden.

Quite simply it is not large enough for the amount of waste that it carries.

This scheme failed to get permission at the first attempt and one of the reasons was drainage. The applicants commissioned specialist advice on the matter.

They assured the panel that no surface water would be discharged into the combined sewer. These experts were "working" for the applicant when surely independent experts should be employed. Any so-called expert would not propose the alternative.

The surface water will now run into Silsden Beck. Like the combined sewer this beck is now regularly above capacity.

Below the petrol station on Keighley Road are four bridges, one of which (maybe the oldest) is a double arch and seems to cope with most rain water.

The three others including the most modern (Belton Road bridge) hold back water after heavy rain. Since the three oldest bridges were built, Silsden has grown in size. Where water used to soak into the ground and watercourses to the beck, it now runs off roofs and tarmac straight through sewer pipes into the beck.

This brings me to the other story I noticed.

On the front page is a story about a flood that occurred at a firm called Marsel.

It was myself who called the fire brigade. Water unable to pass the four bridges was backed up to such an extent that it overflowed before the first bridge.

It then ran across a field into Marsel's unit. Second time inside two years, and without the increased surface water from a 31-house estate.

Maybe that site will not make a lot of difference but Bradford Council seem to think Silsden is an ideal place to build lots of new houses.

Excessive development in a narrow valley will create another Pennine town prone to flooding. It will also impact lower down the valley as river flows alter.

Will the work at Stockbridge be adequate if water surges into the river from Silsden? Guess we should call in the drainage specialists. Or not!

G CREIGHTON

Cornwall Ave, Silsden.

SIR - On behalf of the residents of Beechcliffe I would like to thank the owner of the "Beechcliffe" (formerly the Beechcliffe Club) for allowing us to use their car park for the Jubilee Party.

The "Beechcliffe" provided entertainment with a bouncy castle, a BBQ and karaoke plus the balloons and flags.

Also in attendance was an artist who did caricatures in charcoal, with money donated for the drawings to be sent to Manorlands.

Sponsorship for the food was given by the local paper shop and local residents.

We would like to thank everyone for their efforts in making this an enjoyable day which will I hope be remembered in future years by all who attended on the day.

L W BROCKLESBY

Eelholme View Street,

Beechcliffe.

SIR - I write with reference to the report in the Keighley News (June 14) of the interview with Mr Verity regarding his company, Skipton Properties Ltd.

The politicians about whom Mr Verity is complaining appear to have been only too willing to pass the many amendments to plans submitted by his company, albeit subject to strict conditions which, incidentally, have often been ignored.

The "professional" people, who may be more capable of understanding plans than politicians, would not have the authority to order their findings to be carried out.

The politicians, who are considering interests of the whole community, are the people with such authority.

The quality of the houses built by the company is not in question - the relevant fact is that houses are being built which do not comply with the plans passed.

J Kitson.

Cherry Tree Rise

Keighley

SIR - On reading M Meacher's letter regarding the battleship 'Royal Oak,' memories of over five years service at Scapa on Hoy, July 1940-October 1945, return.

The Royal Oak had been sunk earlier in the year and precautions had been quickly installed to prevent further catastrophes.

Never to be forgotten are the perilous crossings (SS Ninian) from Suabster in all seasons, often being ordered 'below deck' in treacherous weather conditions, and the presence of U-boats - the inspection of which was possible on their surrender in 1945 at Scapa.

For almost six years service the sum of £70/6/- was received, this being War Gratuity of £34 (10/- per month) and Post War Credit ie 1,452 days at 6d per day, £36/6/-, total £70/6/-.

What a sum - how things have changed!

EX3781 ROYAL MARINE

WALTER PARKER

Prince Street,

Haworth

SIR - Through your columns may I thank those who supported my 12-hour solo fishing event to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service charity.

While it is difficult to thank everyone personally, publicly, I would like to thank those who sent donations directly, those who sent donations to me personally, those who sponsored the event from their households and everybody who supported the event in one way or another.

Not only did supporters give, they dug deep and gave generously to the total sum of £370+. Once again, thank you for your support.

ALAN SHAW

Brackenbank Grove,

Keighley

See Page 14

SIR - When is this Government going to open its eyes to the judges' attitude to our foolishly named justice system.

How can a man drink 12 pints of beer, drive a car, kill six people, get a 15 years sentence, ask and get a retrial with a reduced sentence to ten years.

One of these judges didn't know his business. How can one judge go against another?

My solution, sack all judges, bring on the bench the victim's relations, we would get the right sentence and save thousands of pounds for the country.

My advice, write to our MP and get these judges kicked out of office.

STAN MOULES

Exley Head, Keighley

SIR - It is nice to know that the staff at Airedale Hospital are biking to work, but I noticed only three wearing helmets.

They are the very people who should know what accidents can do.

An injury to the head can leave a person with an unseen demon that will live with them for the rest of their life.

R LAPWORTH

Airedale View,

Cross Hills

SIR - Like many others I was hugely disappointed when England were knocked out of the World Cup.

We made the encounter with Brazil a most momentous occasion (and rightfully so). It felt like the whole of our country was united with our passion for football - or so I thought.

On visiting the town centre, I was very upset to observe groups of Asian youths intent on spoiling this feeling of unity.

They felt it necessary to parade around the town jeering at the many England fans who were proud enough to dress in their country's colours. They had one purpose in mind.

When we played Argentina, I joined in the celebrations in the town, along with my family. During this match a group of Asian youths found it necessary to drive past groups of England fans shouting "Argentina!" and encouraging a response.

Similarly, last Friday groups of Asian youths chose to walk around the town centre emblazoned with Brazil kits, making their support for the opposition very clear.

All those who say 'each to their own...' I say 'Fair enough.' but I do not appreciate such acts being blatantly forced in my face.

These youths knew exactly how important these games were to England fans, and they acted in this way solely to show their support for anyone who was in opposition. I was greatly offended by this parade of blatant disloyalty.

Like the majority of this country I am proud to be English and loyal to my team.

It is disappointing that a few mindless youths had to spoil the feeling of unity.

NAME AND

ADDRESS

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