Sir – The Christ Church grounds and burial grounds in Skipton are looking picturesque. The flowering bulbs and cherry tree blossoms make the ground’s burial sites a colourful picture.

The church wardens, gardeners and the grasscutting team do an excellent job in keeping the grounds and burial sites clean and tidy.

Blackbirds, rooks, garden birds and field birds are preparing their nesting sites in the church grounds and buildings. Despite the notices on the church gates a minority of dog walkers are still abusing the church grounds.

Last week, I saw a dog off leash running over the Duke of Wellington’s and Royal Navy Seafarers’ plaques.

When I confronted the owner he apologised and replied: “I’ve got a doggy bag.” That’s not the point. Dogs should be kept on a short leash and at heel when in religious grounds.

OK, dog walkers-owners you may say the Lord God loves all animals. True, but I am quite sure the Lord God never intended the dog walkers-owners to let their dogs run loose in churchyards or cemetery grounds.

After all, when you walk through churchyard cemetery gates you are treading on sacred ground, which should be respected.

Allan Mason, Jennygill Crescent, Skipton