Letters to the editor

As a nearby resident I very much hope that any inspection and review of conditions around the footbridge will take into account the danger to young people.

I have particularly in mind those who cross the footbridge, often late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

Many of these are rowdy and obviously drunk. Some of them can be seen staggering and wobbling on the steps, and an unpleasant minority of them pause only to scatter their litter, vomit on the ground and urinate into the canal or nearby bushes. I have watched this from my kitchen window many times.

It would come as no great surprise if someone in this condition were to fall and injure themselves badly, or even fatally, on the stone steps.

Any review of the surrounding area should take into account the lighting and the absence of a handrail on one side.

I would also like to see the installation of CCTV cameras and any other measures that might discourage such behaviour, which is not only inconsiderate towards local residents, but potentially dangerous on the footbridge as it now is.

I have no wish to spoil anyone’s entertainment, but to have establishments serving alcoholic drinks to young people on both sides of a canal crossed by a manifestly dangerous footbridge seems to me to be an open invitation to major accident or even tragedy.

The Rev John Midgley Hirds Yard Skipton ‘Devastated’ by loss Sir – I am devastated to learn that we are going to lose our distinctive Pennine Buses which have served us so well and been a landmark of our area for so many years. I would like to thank the Simpson family for all they have done for our community as well as many others in the Dales.

It is going to be a severe loss – I broke down and burst into tears when I saw the front page of our April Embsay village magazine, such a lovely photo of our dear loved local buses.

Mrs P J Eastwood Brackenley Avenue Embsay Getting to the caves Sir – I was saddened to read in your pages of the imminent demise of the Pennine Motor Co. after nine decades of splendid service to the citizens of Skipton and beyond.

In 1929 was founded the still very active Craven Pothole Club, few of whose members owned motor cars in those days. This difficulty of access to the caves was solved in 1931 by Pennine Motors, which provided a bus for the club meets.

It was fortunate that one of the Pennine’s drivers, Edgar Smith, was a club member. For over 30 years, with the exception of the war years, Edgar and his employer facilitated transport for all the Sunday meets.

Stephen A Craven Cape Town Bus service cut anger Sir – I am writing regarding the 957c Silsden/Skipton bus service which is to be withdrawn in September 2014. This bus service serves the many Silsden children who attend the three secondary schools and Craven College in Skipton. It is in fact the only direct bus service from Silsden to Skipton.

Apparently a “consultation” was carried out during September 2013 and concluded in December 2013 which stated that the bus service was to be withdrawn.

The word “consult” should indeed be used quite loosely as I understand the schools involved were not informed, none of the parents nor the children were notified.

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) do not appear to have consulted Bradford Council nor have they informed the Silsden Town Council.

As a parent whose child attends a Skipton school I feel very angry that I have not had the opportunity to raise my objections during the consultation.

I have spoken to many of the other parents involved who have also expressed concern about the situation as there is no alternative direct bus service to Skipton.

None of the parents said they would be happy for their children to walk to the railway station at Steeton or to catch a bus from Steeton Top; not just because of the considerable walking distance but because the parents refuse to allow their children to cross the busy, dangerous Airedale Bypass.

This situation will not only affect the 30- plus Silsden youngsters who regularly use this bus service, including the children who get on in Kildwick and Farnhill, but will also have a huge impact on the Silsden children who will be starting at the Skipton schools in September this year and in years to come.

The bus service can only in part be subsidised by NYCC as the children have always had to pay to use this service. There are no reduced passes available as the bus goes across the county border.

It is understood that NYCC has to make savings where it is practicable but to cut a heavily used service that so many depend on seems to be an incomprehensible decision.

In addition, as a co-author of the “Silsden Survey”, our analysis showed a strong support by the Silsden residents for an improved direct bus service to Skipton. This was not just for the school children but for shoppers and workers too.

I would like to thank the Silsden Mayor, Christopher Atkinson, for coming to speak to the children and helping to publicise this issue.

It is hoped that NYCC will now look again at this vital 957c bus service given its complete failure to consult with any of the actual bus users; and now work with the bus company to reinstate the service or offer an alternative direct service for the many youngsters who rely on this service to get to school.

Rebecca Whitaker Cobbydale Park Silsden