Letters to the Editor

This choice prompts me to write to him again - twice in two weeks. My only letters after reading the newspaper for 52 years! It could easily become a habit.

I might possibly join the ranks of well-published names - the difference being, of course, that regular Letters to the Editor are on a more serious note - no simplicity about them.

Nevertheless, serious subjects (mainly politics/road-works) will appeal to the majority of readers, whereas model boat builders could never hope to achieve such dizzy heights.

To come to my reason for writing a second letter - a big Thank You for considering a simple subject worthy of a place in your journal.

MR R MITCHELL,

Crossfield Road, Oxenhope.

SIR - I would like to add my dismay to that of Bob Horrell and R V Mitchell at the arbitrary ban of power-boat sailing on the Tarn.

I have been only on the fringes of modelling, but I know how difficult it is for these groups to find suitable venues - partly because they, being civilised people, have regard to their neighbours' peace of mind. It is ironic that many spectators who complain about their activities would, I suspect, be prepared to admire the models in the setting of a static exhibition.

Modelling requires a considerable amount of commitment and a high degree of acquired skill, only available to those who are not satisfied to pass their time in front of the television. Most local groups and individuals participate in a world-wide network of interest and this is in common with many other minority interest groups. In this respect, such low-key organisations are one of the mainstays of global civilisation.

The Tarn has always been a suitable situation for model boating, both for adults and for any children who are lucky enough to have parents who can be bothered. Note, however, that it is not suitable for model yachts, quiet though they may be, because it is not deep enough.

The idea of turning it into a wildlife sanctuary is, in my opinion, somewhat fatuous and entirely unnecessary. There is a wealth of wild aquatic habitats scattered across Yorskhire, many being maintained principally by angling associations and apparently unknown to 'wild life enthusiasts'.

The pile of rubble designated as an island will certainly provide a haven for gulls, which we could well do without in the region and which will effectively keep the ducks away.

I do not believe that policing will be set up so as to prevent birds from being maimed by vandals. The idea of introducing fish is pointless, unless it is intended to attract anglers, who are the only people to have any genuine interest in fish and who would arouse another series of complaints.

To compromise: I think that the island should be removed. The weedy end, which the ducks and coots like, should be maintained and controlled. Anyone with a reasonable practical interest in using the Tarn should be encouraged, since this is likely to be the most effective method of policing.

BERNARD SUNDERLAND,

Braithwaite Road, Keighley.

SIR - Re front page Keighley News June 30.

How interesting to read that a sum of £95,000 is not enough to attract enough candidates for the job of Education Chief for the district.

The mind of an eighty plus person boggles, when considering the amount an ordinary workman of his generation was likely to have earned during his working life.

Leaving school at the age of 14, perhaps a year working in the mill, then six years as an apprentice to a trade, six years in one of the services; by his demob in 1946, a couple of thousand pounds would have covered his earnings for that, the first 13 years of his working life.

In 1946 the wages were less than £4 per week, for a craftsman working 44 hours in the building trade.

By 1961 his earnings would be £10 per week, 1971 £18.60, 1981 £86.20 per week. By the time he retired in 1983 the weekly wage reached a gross figure of £100.

If he was lucky, with his health, and no short time working, his lifetime earnings would be less than £55,000.

If he had savings the 20 years inflation from 1971 played havoc with their value.

Then Mrs Thatcher's Tory Government, as has been well documented, changed the rules by which the annual OA pension was increased, causing an annual decrease in the spending power of the pension.

I am well aware that the increase, from one million to three million unemployed at the time, had to be funded, but why take it out of my generation, especially when the government had the benefit of North Sea Oil revenues just coming on song?

Benefits for the poorer pensioner are appreciated, the free telly licence for the over 75s, the £150 fuel allowance needed. So come on Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, a bit more on the weekly pension when you announce the new spending round during July.

DAVID BALMER,

Jennings Close, Silsden.

SIR - May I comment on numerous reports and letters regarding the input of Craven Ward councillors to the work and meetings of Silsden Parish Council?

Mr Rushworth and former councillor Hoare have corresponded on this issue, and both raise valid points. Sadly these contributions have generated more heat than light, and as Sir Bernard Ingham said: "when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging!"

A lesson in tact may be appropriate in many circumstances, and it was noted of one colleague recently: "it seems that the only time they open their mouth, it's to change feet!"

Like former Councillor Hoare, I have found the members and officers of BMDC to be unfailingly courteous, helpful and professional in all of the dealings I have had with them.

I can also accept that with a new administration in office at BMDC some uncertainty is to be anticipated. This is especially so where members are assimilating new roles, or taking on additional responsibilities, and everyone, electorate and elected members alike, understand and accept this constraint in the short to medium term.

Rightly or wrongly, however, there is a perception that the interest and involvement of Bradford Metropolitan Council ends at the Saltaire roundabout, the Craven equivalent of 'The Watford Gap' for administrative purposes. It is in everyone's best interest to acknowledge and address these perceptions when they have foundation and dispel the myth when they do not. Recent events have highlighted the need for bridges to be built, and they also provide the opportunity to do so.

Co-operative and harmonious working across all Local Council activities can only be to the benefit of everyone and especially the electorate who we are all delegated to serve. Without being too 'parochial', however, the well being of Silsden people is, and will remain, the main concern of Silsden Parish Councillors, who as your readers may know, are not paid for their considerable time and input. All parish councillors' activities and duties are carried out on a purely voluntary basis, and arise out of a truly altruistic desire to serve local people.

Council services and support are perceived to be lacking in the Craven Ward, despite the fact that some twelve thousand people live and work in the Silsden and Steeton area. These could be enhanced and many barriers overcome if there was a more visible council presence in the area, perhaps in the form of a council shop.

This would provide a much needed local resource and a point of focus for the work of council departments and parish and district councillors.

GEOFF WHITTAKER,

Chairman,

Silsden Parish Council.

SIR - Cllr Chris Greaves, chair of Keighley Area Planning Panel, in a hyperbolic eruption, accuses me of ignoring his personal and political background.

I have no interest in the gentleman's past background. Assuming that Cllr Greaves has not read my letter fully I will explain further. I firmly believe that local people should be represented by somebody that they themselves have elected, not somebody 'parachuted' in from outside by party apparatchik.

If Cllr Greaves makes a mess of the job, the Keighley electors can't vote him out. The last person who was handed the 'poisoned chalice' of Keighley Planning was a man, locally elected and fully cognisant of the fact that he was to be judged by his perceived ability to do the job. That he failed was down to the public perception, not by his personal ability or political background.

Cllr Greaves should be aware that the people in Keighley would be watching every move, every planning decision that is made in his name. The chairman of Keighley Planning Panel is held responsible for every action and words its officers make or say.

For instance, Cyber-Dine of Keighley is having problems with his department regarding security shutters, yet whatever the outcome local voters will not be able to express a political view as to merits of the decision at any local government election. Such a situation is not sustainable, representation should be the public choice and not one made for political expediency.

DAVID SAMUELS,

Station Road, Oxenhope.

SIR - At a time when we are all being urged to recycle more of our waste, I find it incomprehensible that one of the main recycling sites in town (at Sainsbury's) has been reduced in size. There are now no metal can or plastic bottle banks on this site which, so far as I am concerned, makes it virtually useless.

I understand that this is a result of Sainsbury's refusal to allow the council a larger site following the re-vamping of the store. Fortunately, full recycling facilities are still available at Morrisons.

MR D J STUTTARD,

Rivock Avenue, Utley.

A Sainsbury's spokesman says: "Anyone with concerns or comments should contact the store and all views will be taken into account."

SIR - Some of your readers may be interested to know that the Yorkshire Arsenal Supporters Club (YASC) runs executive coach trips to Arsenal's home matches and has a pick-up point at Leeds.

The YASC is officially recognised by Arsenal Football Club, and has been in existence for over nine years.

Arsenal supply the YASC with matchday tickets, but we can only offer tickets to supporters who will be travelling down on our coach. We have over 300 members to date and a number are from Keighley. An information pack, giving further details and an enrolment form are available from: YASC, C/O, PO Box 10, St Ives, Huntingdon, PE17 4GE.

ANDREW HILL,

Secretary, Y A S C.

SIR - Prime Minister Tony Blair and his chancy chancellor Gordon Brown are morally wrong in raising funds for education and health service by increasing fuel tax and punishing the motorist. Nor is it the proper way to overcome air pollution.

Our health service and education could be helped by enlisting public goodwill, which is how hospitals were supported before government subsidies and the NHS became available.

This kindly feeling or disposition, this benevolence is inherent in human nature and only requires stirring.

If, for instance, Bradford Met Council were to promote annual pageants involving our community and local traders provided decorated floats adorned by enthusiasts, people would willingly contribute those pennies which add up to pounds.

Students in our area would have a chance to 'let their hair down' after months of study and dress in outlandish costumes to keep people happy. They could have pails or buckets or even chamber-pots to collect money people would happily part with.

People are everything in this world and politicians should think about 'people power' and how best to use this potential capacity for the good of those people.

CHARLES MEACHER,

Rosslyn Grove, Haworth.