Opinion

For thirty years dedicated volunteers have given countless hours of their own time and energy - and no doubt hard earned cash - to create one of the finest heritage railways in the land and wider afield.

It was Britain's first privatised railway company and has an unblemished record of service, timekeeping and safety. Certain other railway companies could do well to learn lessons in customer service from K&WVR.

The event should also act as a timely reminder to people of the facilities we have on our doorstep, and in the case of the K&WVR the huge amount of tourism revenue it has generated.

We add our voice to the many messages of congratulations.

It is such a pity though that others in Bront country haven't the same attitude and positive outlook. Once again the issue of wheel clamping, along with allegations that it is damaging the image of Haworth and affecting tourism, has raised its head.

It is an issue which needs resolving, but will not be helped by bizarre comments such as those from Cllr Mike Young who alleges wheel clamping even amounts to stalking. You have to pay to leave your vehicle on most car parks - council ones included. If you are late you have to pay a fine - including ones to the council. Clamping may well be a necessary evil. It ensures payment. How many who overstay in Haworth would pay up if parking tickets were issued?

Another head of steam has built up over the plans for a retail centre. This time with traders disagreeing with the council, with some bemoaning the loss of over a hundred car park spaces.

We have said it before and it is worth emphasising again. The motor car is not the only way to travel into Haworth. There's a perfectly good and affordable alternative - it has been running for the past thirty years.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.