SIR, - Once again Mr Dundas has filled your columns with a load of inaccurate and unsustainable (one of his party's favourite words) rubbish.

I presume he has done it in the knowledge that only a low minority of readers can take the time to follow the train of several weeks' contributions and will prefer to seek relaxation this weekend after a trying spring.

However, he must be exposed. His personal attack argument on me bears no relation to previous correspondence (and it is rather sad that he still cannot spell my name) so I must reluctantly reply.

Nowhere did I argue that people are entitled to more votes and political power by virtue of living in expensive homes.

What I did say was that we already pay more than twice the average for the district, and our parish expenditure is minimal (certainly much less than the cost of area panels) and his figure of £7.50 a year is ludicrous when neighbours in Otley already pay more than £36 a year.

It may be that Mr Dundas is looking for a quango job, as the current Government tries to close down the democratically elected bodies (what is happening to community health council now that the public, and even Labour members, have objected to elimination?)

Don't hold your breath, Mr Dundas. The public is beginning to twig that Labour hands out jobs to supporters - but Lord Irvine wants a huge financial donation, too.

As the town of Ilkley struggles to improve its much neglected facilities, it would be nice to see Mr Dundas putting his shoulder to the wheel instead of politically pontificating.

l There is currently consultation on the draft of the next Unitary Development Plan (UDP). Because in some respects the proposals for Ilkley and district are reasonable there is some apathy of response to this consultation.

There are at least two major areas of concern:

1) Previously highlighted by district councillors is that proposals the public approve of should be supported and endorsed by the public as a means to support the planners against attack by developers.

2) My own concern is the tremendously high density for housing of 38 dwellings per hectare (dpha) which was recommended in the draft Regional Planning Guidance (dRPG), the forerunner to the UDP draft. The current district average is 24 dpha and even that is some 25 per cent higher than five years ago. So the new recommendation of 38 dpha is a recipe for dense development with more problems for the infrastructure.

We have had every large garden in the town infilled in the name of 'protecting the green belt'. Are we now going to accept 38 dpha for the same reason? And where do we go from there?

Now is the time to say 'no' or our district will be ruined for ever. There are vast areas of land both regionally and nationally, yet West Yorkshire is being asked to provide more and more housing and is rapidly becoming a sink area.

Ilkley's population in 1901 was 7,455. I forecast that this week's Census will show that figure has more than doubled and our valley risks being ruined.

The UDP proposal document itself indicates concern and recommends that there is still reasonable doubt about the wisdom (i.e. necessity) of the dRPG density assumption and recommends a lower figure. Please help by objecting to over-development of Ilkley and district and the Bradford Metropolitan area. No use saying 'it is all changing for the worse' and doing nothing about it.

BARBARA CUSSONS

4 Curly Hill,

Ilkley.

Mayor's farewell

SIR, - As my Lord Mayoral year enters its final week, I would like to express my thanks to your readers and to all the residents of Ilkley, Burley, Menston, Addingham and the neighbouring villages for having allowed the Lady Mayoress and myself to be involved in so many of your activities during the last 12 months.

The number, scope and variety of the activities which are carried out in your area have been a constant source of delight and admiration to us, while the professionalism, skill and techniques of individuals, as well as organisations, have deeply impressed us.

We have greatly enjoyed the hospitality of the theatrical and performing bodies and the excellence - not to say virtuosity - of the performers; we are extremely happy at having been able to support the churches, not least Churches Together in Ilkley and the dedicated work for Romania, and have been glad to meet the hardworking Ilkley, Addingham and Silsden Parish Councils as well as Burley Community Council.

As I write this letter, the sun is shining on Ilkley Carnival. Long may it shine on your beautiful and lively part of 'Bradford Met' and everyone who dwells therein.

With every good wish,

JOHN STANLEY KING

Lord Mayor,

Bradford.

Menston mystery

SIR, - I am writing to ask if any readers can help me solve a Menston mystery. Is there a Menston connection with builders of one of the Eddystone lighthouses?

In 1756 John Smeaton (from Leeds) began to build the world's most famous lighthouse, the fourth Eddystone Lighthouse. It was famous because it was the first stone lighthouse built out at sea, which many had thought to be an impossible feat.

Also the stonework was cunningly designed so that each block fitted together like a dove-tailed joint, adding strength to the building.

As he worked on the lighthouse, Mr Smeaton invented new forms of concrete which were water-resistant and developed new building methods. The revolutionary design became the model for all subsequent lighthouses.

The fourth lighthouse was dismantled and replaced in the 1880s when the rock it was built on began to collapse. Most of the tower was rebuilt on Plymouth Hoe. The new lighthouse was built by Sir James Douglass.

Menston has what seems to be one of the stones of the third lighthouse. There is a stone built in to a wall at the top of Park Road. It is granite, cut and rebated in a complicated way and inscribed 'Eddystone 1756'.

Does anyone know how it got there? and is there a connection with either Smeaton or Douglass?

John Forsyth

7 Park Field,

Menston.

Health message

SIR, - We want to tell you why we're backing The Cancer Research Campaign's Men's Cancer Awareness Month in June.

Every year in the UK, thousands of men die from cancer, yet many of these deaths could be prevented. The key is greater awareness of the tell-tale signs and symptoms associated with testicular and prostate cancer.

We need to change attitudes and convince men to look after themselves and not to be embarrassed to see their doctor if they think something might be wrong.

All through June, The Cancer Research Campaign will be highlighting new treatments and arranging initiatives to raise funds for cures. The campaign is also keen to recruit volunteers throughout the month.

Why don't you get involved? You can do so by telephoning (01274) 233295 of by visiting the campaign's website on www.crc.org.uk

GABBY YORATH

BARRY VENISON

On behalf of

The Cancer Research Campaign.

Bankruptcy help

SIR, - I am the founder of the Bankruptcy Association, which I founded during 1983 to help people suffering from financial problems. During that time we have helped more than 20,000 people through debt and bankruptcy difficulties.

We have just published our latest guidance booklet, entitled How to Settle Debts with Creditors. This is the third sensible guidance booklet for people with debt problems that I have written in the last 18 years. It is actually quite a tricky proposition, because each individual has his or her own set of particular problems and priorities to deal with.

In the latest publication, I have reflected on the many thousands of debt cases I have dealt with in the past and come up with a simple, pragmatic plan for anyone with debt problems to deal with any type or any number of creditors. The plan works in practice - that is what matters. Members of our association are applying the system successfully on a daily basis and many have avoided bankruptcy as a consequence.

I think this new booklet would be of great interest and help to many of your readers. The guidance offered in this booklet can be applied usefully by anyone with debt problems, be they large or small.

If anyone is interested, they can contact me at the address below or by ringing (01524) 64305.

JOHN McQUEEN

Founder,

The Bankruptcy Association,

4 Johnson Close,

Lancaster LA1 1BR.

Seeds for Africa

SIR, - University of Kent-based charity Seeds for Africa (Patron Alan Titchmarsh) is currently looking for adventurous people from all over the UK to help raise funds by making an exhilarating parachute jump or taking part in a thrilling white water rafting adventure.

For an information pack please send an A4 SAE with two first class stamps to Seeds for Africa, Unikent, PO Box 581, Canterbury, Registered Charity No 1075563.

Albert Bullock

Chairman,

Seeds For Africa.

Support for cats

SIR, - Through your paper I would like to thank the people of the surrounding areas who visited Wharfe Valley Branch of Cats Protection exhibition last weekend.

The event, held at Pets at Home store in Guiseley, was intended to raise our profile and the image of responsible pet ownership. It did all of that and more besides.

Scores of tins of cat food and more than £108 were donated by shoppers. The kiddies all got balloons full of gas donated by the store and lots of useful advice and leaflets were given away, too.

More importantly, we made some new friends with the potential of new foster homes and sponsors. Well done Aireborough and beyond.

We need to expand, particularly as efforts to start a branch in Bradford have not yet been successful. In the meantime we are helping Baildon and Shipley area as much as a small bunch of volunteers can.

If you live in that part of the world or in this readership area and want to help call us on( 01943) 872823 and remember cats add life!

Graham Hoult

Media Officer,

Wharfe Valley Branch,

Cats Protection.