Seven years is long enough to achieve

Those failures, Mrs Hargreaves, are the reason why I voted for Ann Cryer in 1997 and again in the last election. I took the trouble to read the Labour manifesto, and on the basis of their promises decided they should be given a chance.

You say that achievements cannot be made 'at the drop of a hat'. Your head would appear to be so far in the clouds that your hat takes almost seven years to reach the ground.

Well into a second term is, I submit, not too early to ask questions relative to promise, performance and priority.

In referring to Mrs Cryer as a 'dinosaur' I may have been less than gallant. If so I willingly recant. Perhaps it is not unreasonable to describe Mrs Cryer in a kindly way as a leading local organ-grinder on behalf of the Government.

If this is so, I leave it to you, Ms Hargreaves, to define your relationship to the organ-grinder. I wouldn't dare.

D Y Smith

Peartree House,

Hebers Ghyll Drive,

Ilkley.

Seeing obvious

SIR, - In connection with the current concerns about road safety in the area of Manor Park bends on the Burley to Ilkley road could it be that people are not seeing the obvious!

I recently drove from Otley to Addingham via Manor Park and was consciously distracted by the enormous advertising hoardings on the approach to the bends. These are clearly serving the purpose for which they are intended i.e. advertising firstly the forthcoming Bradford Bulls fixture and secondly drawing one's attention to sale items available at the nearby trade warehouse.

These hoardings by their very nature demand valuable seconds of the motorists' time and thereby distract from the concentration required to negotiate the bends safely.

Rather than look to solutions to the safety question which may run into millions of pounds could the planners first not consider the removal of such obvious hazards? This may be part, if not all, of the solution.

Joe Ginty

Addingham.

'Return precept'

SIR, - I note from reading a report in the Gazette of April 4 that the parish council is now advertising for people to apply for money from the Parish Precept (Tax) to spend upon their chosen projects. What a farce!

I thought that they, the parish councillors were going to use this money for the betterment of the area, to do things that they said Bradford were not doing. Little did I expect that they didn't know what they wanted it for and, having got it now, have to find people to spend it for them. How naive of me.

Please Councillor Gibbons, can I apply to have my bit back to spend as I think fit?

Victor M Bean

114 Skipton Road,

Ilkley..

Animals appeal

SIR, - The committee members of the RSPCA Craven and Upper Wharfedale branch make the following appeals to help us promote animal welfare:

We ask everyone thinking about acquiring a pet to carefully consider the serious and long term commitment that this represents.

When owners find this commitment unmanageable, we are often asked to try to rehome their animal. Sadly, there is always a waiting list for admittance to our kennels as it seems there are too many unwanted and/or neglected animals and not enough homes.

We strongly encourage owners to have their pets neutered to help limit the large number of unwanted animals. Veterinary surgeons will be happy to offer advice on neutering, so do please consult a vet.

By having your pet neutered, you will be promoting responsible pet ownership and, in the longer term, helping to increase the chance of a good home being found for animals in need.

People can also demonstrate their responsibility as pet owners by having their pet microchipped. This simple and virtually painless procedure is a permanent way of identifying your pet.

During RSPCA Week, April 29 to May 5, several vets around our branch area will be participating in a microchipping campaign in partnership with the branch. We hope that many people will take this opportunity to have their pet microchipped.

Beverley Leeson

Secretary,

26 Wheatley Road,

Ben Rhydding.

Fund's thanks

SIR, - We have just finished a very successful Daffodil Campaign to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. I would like to thank your readers for supporting us by giving a donation in return for a daffodil.

Much of our success is due to the commitment and enthusiasm of our growing band of volunteers and to them we owe thanks.

In your area we raised £1,808.50 at a recent street collection. This is a fantastic contribution to our work and will make a real difference to the lives of the people we care for in our hospices and through our nursing service.

Personally, it has been a humbling and inspirational experience and I have met so many people with a story to tell about their brushes with cancer and other diseases. It spurs me on as a local fundraiser to work even harder for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Brian Curran

Community Fundraiser,

Marie Curie Cancer Care,

Fundraising Office,

Maudsley Street,

Bradford, BD3 9LH.

Afghanistan aid

SIR, - Your readers will be aware that a second earthquake in less than a month has hit northern Afghanistan. As tremors continue, the number of people affected is not yet confirmed.

However, many have lost their lives. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has been quick to respond, sending trucks full of emergency supplies to help the survivors.

The needs of the survivors and communities are growing daily - clean water supplies are particularly tight, jeopardising thousands of lives, especially children.

The area worst affected is the Nahrin and Burka districts in Baghlan province. Here the earthquake has destroyed 90 per cent of the buildings, leaving an estimated 5.400 children homeless. Many roads are impassable in areas that are rendered inaccessible because of landmines.

To meet the urgent needs of displaced families, UNICEF has provided clothing to protect against the cold winter condition. This aid includes blankets, jumpers, mattresses, children's shoes and socks. Tents suitable for winter for families displaced by the earthquake, cartons of protein biscuits, soap and 2,000 baby hygiene kits.

UNICEF will be dispatching collapsible Jerry cans and water purification tablets to help provide safe drinking water, baby packages (clothing cream and hygiene materials) for the most vulnerable, 220,000 oral rehydration salts to combat diarrhoea, and a further 3,400 winterised tents.

Just £7 will buy 28 high protein biscuits to feed children, and £25 will buy enough blankets to keep 36 children warm at night.

Your readers have been very generous in the past when UNICEF appeals have been made. If your readers would like to make a donation to UNICEF's Afghanistan emergency appeal, cheques/postal orders made payable to UNICEF will be gratefully received at Afghanistan Earthquake Children's Appeal, UNICEF, PO Box 1800, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S6 4UG. Please remember to include your address so that we may send you a Gift Aid form to increase the value of your donation.

LOUIS COLES

Regional Fundraising Manager,

UNICEF,

132 Loxley Road,

Sheffield S6 4TE.

Royal tribute

SIR, - The simplest memorial conveys more than an elaborate statue. Commemorating the Queen Mother with a flagstone might seem ungracious, but in a wider context brings the whole world together.

I feel the Queen Mother would appreciate the fun children have on the Millennium Maze at Ilkley's Darwin gardens. Stone 534 is dedicated to The Grandmother of the Nation.

Non omnis moriar.

FRAZER IRWIN

Queen's Road,

Ilkley.

Sanctuary plea

SIR, - Willows Animal Sanctuary, is a haven for both the animals we rescue and the people we help. Set on the beautiful coastline of Aberdeenshire, this unique centre takes animals that are unsuitable for re-homing and therefore we represent their last chance. We also offer contact with animals to those who find this therapeutic.

Some of the animals have been snatched from the brink of death, others have been rescued from atrocious conditions, and all have a story to tell.

All is not well, however, because the land the animals depend upon for grazing is being sold and many of the animals face an uncertain future. We are in urgent need of funds if we are to survive. The loyal supporters of Willows have raised £18,000 towards an asking price of £50,000 for the vital grazing land and time is about to run out.

If you are able to make a donation of any amount, please make cheques or postal orders payable to 'Willows Animal Sanctuary' and send to Willows Animal Sanctuary, Findon Farm, Gardenstwon, Banff, Aberdeenshire, AB45 3ET. For further information about our work, or to sponsor a rescued animal, please contact me on( 01261) 851701 or visit our web site at (www.willowsanimals.com).

Kate Robinson

(Trustee),

Willows Animal Sanctuary.