Letters to the Editor

on party leadership issue

SIR, - Readers of 'the Wharfedale' are certainly getting wide coverage of our new Member of Parliament, and he clearly has strong views on most issues.

One area where he has been strangely quiet is over the future leadership of his party.

It is no secret that Charles Kennedy is in some difficulty with his own MPs, and seems unlikely to survive much longer as leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Given this, would he care to predict how much longer Mr Kennedy is likely to remain leader? Does he favour skipping a generation in looking for a new leader as the Conservatives did with boy David? Does he subscribe to the economic views set out in the so called 'orange book'?

Leeds North West has an honourable tradition of electing MPs who are not always in tune with their leaders.

Both of his predecessors, Keith Hampson (Conservative) and Harold Best (Labour), at times had differences with the leadership of their respective parties and were not afraid to voice it. Does our new MP follow in this tradition?

John Eveleigh

95 West Busk Lane,

Otley.

A dog for life

SIR, - Despite all the festive warnings, there may be some families who received puppies or dogs as gifts this Christmas.

Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, asks that all new dog owners take time to think about our famous slogan: A dog is For Life, Not Just For Christmas, and that they remember it all year round.

The early part of the year is often a hard time for dog welfare charities as they are under pressure to care for the many thousands of unwanted dogs given as presents at Christmas and discarded when they become a nuisance as the novelty wears off.

We would also ask that owners make a New Year's resolution to ensure their new pet has the best start in life, and think about booking training classes.

Organisations such as Dogs Trust are the ones that have to pick up the pieces when last year's Christmas present becomes this year's obligation.

So please take that time to train your new dog and make sure he stays with you for life.

Clarissa Baldwin

Chief Executive Officer,

Dogs Trust.

Dismayed

SIR, - I was dismayed by the reappearance of a plastic snowman and Father Christmas on our beautiful, newly restored Jubilee Clock.

I know they have distastefully appeared there for several years but now they look even more cheap and tawdry and it is time they were given a decent funeral or, even better, cremation.

The garland looks well and would have been sufficient alone. I would be interested to hear the views of other readers.

Margaret Procter

25 Newall Carr Road,

Otley.

Save energy

SIR, - With many of us rushing down to the sales to bag that 'must have' item, or complete that long overdue DIY project, I thought readers might like to know of an easier way to save more than £100 without even leaving your home.

Firstly, by ensuring your home is not overheated, lights are turned off in unused rooms, computers and even switching off your mobile phone charger can save you more than £70 in 2006.

Secondly, if you live in one of the 10 million-plus UK households that have not yet switched gas and electricity suoplier, then chances are you'll be paying around £100 too much.

So by shopping around for a better energy deal. you can watch that match, have your turkey sandwich and eat it and spend the save in the next sales!

And don't forget you can ring energywatch, the independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog from your armchair as well, to help you with free independent advice on a range of issues related to the energy market in 2006.

Karl Brokes

Communications Manager,

energywatch.

Grateful

SIR, - I am writing to let you know that last year ChildLine supporters in

Yorkshire raised more than £200,000 for the free helpline for children and young people. We are so very grateful to all those who helped raise this fantastic amount.

By taking part in events such as the Leeds Run (which has raised £54,000 over the last two years) or the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride (which raised more than £12,000 last year), by organising fundraising events such as raffles, or by making a personal donation, they have all helped take ChildLine one step closer to its goal of answering all the calls from the children who need us.

Every day, calls from around 2,300 children are answered by ChildLine. However, the enormous demand for ChildLine's service means that hundreds more children each day are unable to get through. We desperately need people and companies in Yorkshire to raise funds - with your support, we can ensure

that more and more children get through to the comfort, advice and protection that ChildLine counsellors provide. Every year we have to raise from scratch the money to provide our unique service. For that reason I would appeal to people in Yorkshire to continue supporting us.

There are so many ways you can get involved - why not take part in next year's Bike Ride, or the BUPA Great North Run? We can supply a pack full of tips for individuals, groups and companies. Do call me on 0870 336 2942 for more information.

Sandra Harding

ChildLine Yorkshire

Regional Fundraiser

Gritted teeth

SIR, - Can the local council please explain why no-one has seen a gritter on the roads over the last week with icy and snow on the ground?

Once again the question is why should you pay the council tax when in essence you get nothing in return other than a rude dustbin man every Tuesday (or technical refuse operative) as they are now known?

The hated poll tax might have been a scandal but so is this one.

Take Otley for example. You never see a policeman, the fire station is closed 99 per cent of the time, the streets are dirty and strewn with litter and the roads are in a Third World state and are an absoloute disgrace.

Leeds City Council couldn't care less about Otley and Otley town councillors spend their days trying to paper over the cracks and they struggle to achieve even that.

Yes, the council tax is just one more example of why in 2006 you would do well to consider there is another way of life and a world beyond this taxed-to-death and overpopulated island.

Go find it and some value for money with real quality of life otherwise the only thing you'll be gritting is your teeth.

Dan Cooney

Alicante,

Spain.