Mayor’s resignation was ‘irresponsible’ Sir – I read with interest both the report and Mr Kerwin-Davey’s letter of March 20. As the Town Mayor of Skipton Town, Council Mr Kerwin-Davey had no executive power in law and could not therefore make a ruling “that it would be inappropriate for staff to remain in the meeting and perhaps influence the decision making process and the decision”.

The council employs professional officers to support councillors as they take decisions and this support where necessary extends to advising them during the meeting.

To suggest that their role in meetings goes beyond recording decisions and providing advice is a slur on the integrity and professionalism of a very hard working team.

His departure at this stage in the Civic Year and the electoral cycle is irresponsible.

I trust that if a by-election is called, he will refrain from standing for re-election.

His resignation is the sole reason that Skipton Town Council will have to bear the costs of an unscheduled election.

Perhaps he should consider making a donation to the town council to cover this unnecessary expenditure should it be incurred?

Lis Moore Former chief officer of Skipton Town Council (2003-2008) A Tour distraction?

Sir – With reference to your article "Anger over traffic queues after roadworks delayed".

Might it be that North Yorkshire County Council's phantom roadworks on the A65 near Settle are a cunning ploy by that inept body to distract us from the massive waste of taxpayers’ money on Le Tour de France – an event that will inconvenience thousands of local residents whilst benefiting no-one but pub, hotel and and cafe proprietors!

Is it too late to move Le Tour to West Yorkshire – or better yet – Lancashire?

Tim Chester-Potts Long Preston Tax the cyclists Sir – After reading letters about cyclists in your newspaper, I would like to give you my opinion on this matter.

There are two types of cyclist, the first of which pedal along leisurely and obey the highway code.

Then there are the “boy racers” who look like they have lost their way from the Tour De France, kitted out in their leotards, aero-dynamic helmets and goggles while using the public roads as a racetrack.

As a bus driver I often see a good example of Tour de France-itis when a boy racer is approaching a traffic island, keep left bollards, chevrons etc.

Looking behind to see what is approaching and then pedalling like mad to stop anybody getting in front of them because how often do you see them at a standstill.

I believe they are timing themselves on their planned route so nothing has to impede them in their quest for speed.

Is it not about time that they started to pay road tax, take out insurance and have registration plates so they can be reported and fined for flouting the law as is the case with all other misusers of the road?

A Tudor Barnoldswick Traffic lights welcome Sir – Further to the comments and letters regarding traffic lights at Mearbeck.

For more than 40 years I have struggled to get out onto the busy A65 from my exit just south of the lights.

I know it won’t last, but sorry folks, I am enjoying the relative safety of getting out onto a very busy road.

Mrs Jean Bradley Long Preston Give horses space Sir – How fantastic that we in The Yorkshire Dales are playing our part in hosting The Tour de France.

What a boost for the economie and how wonderful that the tour and it’s followers can enjoy our beautiful countryside.

However, it does have it’s downside for horse riders and it is through the paper that I write and ask ‘all’ cyclists to give space and be patient with equestrians.

Very few horse riders have access to bridleways without using public roads.

Our lanes are narrow and twisty, cyclists approach quickly and quietly, some times with flashing lights which can spook a horse causing it to spin.

If a rider is having difficulty with their horse, please be patient, help them by going slowly and allowing the rider to get to a safe place in order that you can pass, especially if you are part of a group.

When approaching a rider from the rear, make sure you shout “hello, can I pass”.

Often the rider is just as startled as the horse when suddenly a cyclist comes flying past.

Equestrians and cyclists are vulnerable road users. We share similar risks when riding on the road, so lets work together to ensure that we can pursue our chosen sport in safety.

Susan Midgley The British Horse Society Access Officer, North West Yorkshire Grassington Cuts are hurting Sir – There seems to be a lot of resentment building toward North Yorkshire County Council at the moment.

Among other things, it is being criticised for cuts to buses (school subsidies in Carelton, the subsidy cut for free bus passes and risks to rural routes etc), the road works on the A65 and over-zealous parking wardens in Skipton town centre.

It’s clear that money is at the root of all these problems. You eluded in your comment last week to savings being necessary. Well, while prudence is always welcome, it’s clear that the savage cuts to our local authorities are going too far and hurting our communities.

This is Conservative heartland, so if we’re struggling under this government, poorer areas must be in real trouble.

I disagree that such drastic cuts are necessary. This is using the global economic crisis as an excuse to cut back local authorities. It’s idealogical. The wealthy Tory leaders and donors want to pay less tax so are trying to shrink the state.

But without vital services such as public transport and social care, people will suffer, particularly the elderly and those wtih the least money.

Mr A Giles Cross Hills