Readers' letters

An increasing number of people keep a horse or pony. Do they know of the iniquitous regulations being inflicted upon them by the EU? 'Bute' is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is frequently used by equine vets to treat some of the inflammatory and painful conditions from which horses may suffer.

Changes in European Union Legislation mean that the future use of 'bute' is under threat as its use is restricted in all food producing animals.

The EU regards horses as food producing animals. Vets in the UK have a temporary exemption from the restriction, providing horses, ponies and donkeys prescribed 'bute' do not enter the human food chain.

Vets now have to receive written confirmation from the owner that the animal will not enter the human food chain at any stage in the future.

A copy of the declaration has to be retained by the owner and a copy by the vet. In the future there is a distinct possibility that a permanent form of identification - either a freeze band or a microchip under the skin - will be insisted upon.

The same applies to the worming of horses. More paperwork is understandably required to cover the vets' backs, simply because other Europeans insist on eating horsemeat. These are facts, not so-clled euro-myths. How can we let this nonsense continue?

J D CLARK,

Carr Head Lane, Cross Hills.

SIR - On this, the start of our third year of championing democracy in this area, a note to remind local and national politicians of the aims of this non-political association.

For all people in the Aire-Worth area, of differing races, creeds and religion, a referendum which will ask a simple question: Do you wish to remain part of Bradford? Yes or No.

Such a referendum, as promised or implied by local and national politicians before the last general election, would we believe, bring back democracy, moral and economic regeneration to this region.

Therefore if promises made to the electorate by the politicians on this issue are not kept then we in this association will feel free to keep on reminding the electorate of reported words used when the politicians, local and national, sort power for themselves.

We will also remind those politicians who wish to obstruct the democratic wishes of the people that they are the servants of the people, not the masters.

Even though members of the Aire-Worth Reform Association committee have been treated to a campaign of vilification and belittlement by some of the Keighley based Bradford councillors this campaign for the rights of the people will continue.

DAVID SAMUELS,

Aire-Worth Reform

Association.

SIR - The piece in last week's KN where Councillor Eric Dawson highlighted the increased traffic flows on the Dalesway to Steeton sketch of road is sure to re-ignite the long standing debate concerning traffic movement from Colne to Bradford/Leeds, through Cross Hills.

We have heard all the arguments before about the pros and cons of a Glusburn by pass, from the Dog and Gun to the Aire Valley Road, which seems to be the ultimate solution, but splits the Cross Hills and Sutton community down the middle, both geographically and ideologically.

The one ingredient of the current traffic set up, that no one mentions seriously, is the level crossing at Kildwick. I may be wrong, but I get the impression that either through increased rail usage, both passenger and freight, and/or a generous safety margin when closing the barrier, the crossing is closed far more often than of late.

Could it be possible to fine tune the time lapse between the barrier coming down and the train arriving, but still err on the side of safety? Some of the time lapses I have queued up in recently have been of a ridiculous length, particularly when trains are running in both directions and are within thee miles of one another (the barrier remains down for both).

The ideal solution would be to bridge the railtrack, but, as previously mentioned, if a by pass came about this would inevitably be part of the construction.

R I DEWHIRST,

Elm View, Steeton.

SIR - It was most interesting reading your report of Councillor Dawson's endeavours to ease the flow of traffic through Steeton and Eastburn.

Whilst he is quite correct in making the point that the humps in Station Road, Cross Hills, cause drivers to divert to the old road and the fact that possible delays at the level crossing may act as a deterrent to traffic turning left at junction, there is another contributory factor in Steeton, and that is the marking of a cycle lane at the approach to the traffic lights when travelling to Keighley.

This cycle lane has reduced the available space to a one lane road, and as this is a crossroads if anyone is turning right the traffic to Keighley and Silsden has to wait until the right turn has been made, which in peak hours is not until the lights have changed to red, causing the type of tailback we used to have prior to the dual carriagway being opened.

There is also the problem of an emergency ambulance requiring to go to Keighley from Airedale Hospital when, hearing the siren, other drivers are placed in the predicament of not knowing whether to pull to the left on to the cycle lane or stay where they are, blocking the path of the ambulance.

It may be that Councillor Dawson could incorporate this in his endeavours to assist the village traffic flow, or that other interested parties could visit the site at peak hours and consider what could be done to solve the problem.

WILFRED ELLIS,

Parkway, Steeton.

SIR - I read with interest the letter from Hilda Watkinson (May 29) and her tribute to the memory of Rod Farnell. The calming influence he had on others that she refers to was reflected not only in his fellow students and workfriends but also in his pupils.

I remember Rod well from my days at Grange Middle School. Few who were lucky enough to be taught by him could have failed to notice his enthusiasm and his ability to bring out the best in his pupils. Not only did Rod lead a sporting revolution in the school, where an incredible amount of success was attained during his time there, and where he dedicated many of his spare hours to organising and running school teams, he also had a great influence in the classroom where his tireless enthusiasm and genuine caring approach rubbed off on those around him.

Through Rod's influence many of the children taught by him have gone on to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields.

I am one of many who would readily admit to Rod being a major influence, and I know there are others who have excelled in their careers who would do likewise.

ROB GRILLO,

Spring Wells, Holme House

Lane, Oakworth.

SIR - May I, through your columns, pay tribute to the late Harry Hammond who died recently. He made a distinctive contribution to the Keighley Committee for Education, as it then was, and as chairman of the Haworth Secondary School Governors before its demise was always a doughty defender of its interests, as indeed he was for Haworth at all times. He did so without any consideration of popularlity or of party line.

Those who, like Harry Hammond, and there were many of them, worked tirelessly and without any thought of financial reward for the benefit of their fellow citizens, deserve to be remembered for their selfless contribution to the town of Keighley.

F H PEDLEY,

Formerly Borough

Education Officer,

Low Bank Lane, Oakworth.

SIR - I was both saddened and angry at Simply Smith in last week's issue of the Keighley News. The writer makes out what he feels is a logical reason for the Emperor of Japan to visit this country, dine with the Queen, receive the highest order of chivalry and be treated with respect and warmth.

However, in the memories and minds of those who suffered at the hands of the Japanese, logic plays no part. With respect to Mr Smith, as an ex-service man, I am better able to comment on these matters than he.

In Singapore and in Burma I met and spoke to those few who survived the infamous Burma/Sian railway. I witnessed at first-hand the horrors of Changi Gaol and on entering this notorious prison with a team of relief workers, I was met with dreadful scenes.

Mr Smith makes much of the huge Japanese investment in our country, but the Japanese are not philanthropists. Their industries make enormous profits, otherwise they wouldn't stay here.

As a realist I acknowledge that in these times it may be necessary to trade with Japan, but it is not and never will be necessary to invite their Head of State here and be obsequious and flattering to such a sickening degree.

ALEC ASPINALL,

Ex-RN, Westview Way,

Keighley.

SIR - Being an avid reader of Simply Smith's column, I feel that I must take issue with some of his remarks in last week's article.

Judging by his photograph, Mr Smith's birth occurred sometime after 1945, and therefore he can have little concept of the deprivation of war, from either a military or civilian point of view.

Admittedly, the Emperor of Japan was a child at the end of the conflict, but was probably kept in a safe haven and knew nothing about it. Although our queen was only a girl at the time, nevertheless she, like other teenagers, was 'called up' and saw service in the ATS.

The Duke of Edinburgh was a few years older and he served in the British Pacific Fleet and possibly had first-hand knowledge of the atrocities inflicted by the Japanese on their prisoners-of-war by disregarding all the rules of the Geneva Convention, which were upheld by the Allies.

As for the Queen apologising for the bombing of Dresden, this surely was only in effect a retaliation for the devastation suffered by the citizens of the likes of London, Coventry, Liverpool, Hull, Plymouth and many other south coast towns.

Everyone on this island was vulnerable in so many different ways.

The ex-prisoners should therefore be treated with respect and generosity. Good luck To Them!

MRS R LAPWORTH,

Airedale View, Cross Hills.

SIR - Having endured the orchestrated debacle which accompanied the recent meeting of Silsden Parish Council, one must conclude that an un-licensed nursery is operating in parallel.

This is the only logical explanation for the extremes of juvenile behaviour displayed by some of the councillors at that meeting. The playground mentality appears to have been prompted because some members were upset by a minor and historical breach of protocol relating to the procedure for appointing officers to the council.

This required a person assuming office to sign an acceptance within a specified period of time. Like many other councils, Silsden dispensed with this practice years ago. Since then, the council has developed and operated a variation in appointing its officers which has become the accepted way of doing things.

This process is proper, and has become legitimised through Custom and Practice. It is this process which has been used to appoint a succession of council officers over a period of years.

One has to wonder at the motives of people who suddenly call this process in to question, when it has served the council and the people of Silsden so well for so long.

The behaviour of councillors should be beyond reproach and there are many codes and schedules which guide or assist members and officers in conducting the business of council properly.

These range from the Representation of the People Act and the Local Government Act to the Code of Conduct for Councillors. It is this latter document which some members of Silsden Parish Council would undoubtedly profit from reading.The pedantic approach and misguided actions of some councillors has led to additional expense, caused great inconvenience and brought the whole democratic process into dis-repute.

The current round of officer appointments were proper and it is to their credit that they are dealing with the dispute in the way that they are and with the maturity which they have displayed. It is regrettable that some other members of the council cannot display the same level of harmony and maturity.

MR G WHITTAKER,

Hainsworth Road, Silsden.

SIR - As I travel around the country I meet people who do not let age get in their way. They continue to do marvellous voluntary work to support people who need help.

Through Help the Aged's Golden Awards Scheme, the Charity wishes to recognise and reward people aged over 65 who are making these contributions to their community. If your readers know anyone who deserves recognition they should call Help the Aged on 0171 253 2926 to request a nomination form.

The closing date for completed nomination forms is Friday July 10 this year. I was honoured to receive the Hall of Fame Golden Award from Help the Aged last year and I look forward to presenting it to someone else this year - the tenth anniversary.

JIMMY SAVILE, Kt,

OBE, KCSG, LL.D.

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