I READ your recent edition regarding Northern Rail’s refusal to allow cyclists heading for the Three Peaks race, on an empty train, claiming that for health and safety reasons it was not possible for them to use the same train.
I recently went to the Rugby World Cup at Elland Road in Leeds, choosing to travel by train, which seemed the most convenient means of travel. The train from Carlisle to Leeds was very busy, with many people having to stand up for their entire journey, but relatively comfortable.
The journey home was something of a contrast. To say that the train was overcrowded would be a huge understatement. Whether the train should have been allowed to leave Leeds on grounds of safety is questionable, but being the last train of the day beyond Skipton to the north, there was no alternative.
Many young families and several disabled people were on board, fighting for room; it was simply impossible to find any space. Northern Rail must have known that with a crowd upwards of 35,000 at Elland Road, plus the regular Sunday afternoon travellers, the normal sized train would be inadequate, and that many people would be left stranded, unable to get in the already full carriages.
Last July, when the Tour de France was passing through the area, many travellers were similarly let down by Northern Rail. Trains to Leeds were overflowing with people before they got to Settle and beyond, and many just gave up and went home.
Settle has been chosen as a host for either a start or finish of next year’s Tour de Yorkshire. Will Northern Rail cope with the many thousands of spectators? Or will they, too, be left behind?
North Craven is let down by Northern Rail. The last trains to Carlisle at weekends leave Leeds far too early, yet Skipton gets several trains every hour up to 11.30pm.
Travellers beyond Skipton on Sundays have to cut their day short or face an expensive taxi ride. Could Northern Rail not simply add a train from Skipton up the line later in the evening, perhaps on weekends to bring North Craven and beyond into the 21st century?
CHRIS SHARP,
Malham.

THE Gargrave Heritage group recently exhibited the Magna Carta replica at St Andrew’s Church as part of a wider event looking at local war heroes and history.
We and our visitors really appreciated the opportunity to bring this piece of history to a larger audience.
We’d like to extend our warmest thanks to the Craven Museum and the Magna Carta Committee for the loan of their exhibits and for their help and advice. Thanks also to Skipton Town Council for lending us the flags and bunting, which decorated Gargrave to publicise the event.
SUE LYALL,
Secretary of Gargrave Heritage Group.

I WOULD like to express my thanks to the kind gentleman and two young ladies who went out of their way to help me and my husband when we became stuck on ice outside Malham on Saturday.
They spent a significant amount of time with us when they were obviously on their way somewhere else but took time out of their day to assist us. We are enormously grateful.
We would also offer our immense gratitude to the tractor driver, who kindly towed us off the ice to enable us to continue home to Skipton.
As we were stranded in the middle of the road below the crest of a hill, I was concerned any traffic coming in the opposite direction would be unable to see us and be unable to stop on the ice and either skid off the road or hit us. I dialled 101. I spoke to Julie at the call centre in York and she was extremely professional, comforting me and staying on the line until we were safe. Thank you, Julie.
A police car was despatched from, I believe, Skipton because of the situation, but as we were towed to safety, they were able to return to their base. Thank you to the policeman and woman who attended.
I would warn everyone to be extremely careful when setting out on a crisp frosty morning expecting an uneventful, pleasurable trip – it could end very differently.
I was very distressed, but due to the kindness of seven complete strangers, we were calmed and rescued and able to get home. Thank you all.
MRS P TURPIN,
Skipton.

EVER since I got the vote, many years ago, and began taking a small interest in politics, there has been a succession of prime ministers and governments alternating between Labour and Conservative, with a couple of “hiccough” coalition governments in between.
They are all much the same, and their principles are based on a capitalist type of society. They just find different ways to prop up the system, usually to the detriment of the poorest in society.
They spend most of their time in-office complaining about the huge deficit they have been left with by their predecessors. When was Britain last in the black, with no deficit at all? Yet, each government professes to be fair for the whole of society, but are they, really?
It seems to me the only way, in principle, to build a truly fairer society for all, is to convince, persuade or force those people earning over the so-called Living Wage (this is really only a wage to exist on) to pay taxes based on a sliding scale of percentages of their income or profits. People existing on less than the Living Wage should receive welfare benefits, enough to give them a Living Wage. This should be paid to everyone who qualifies for benefits, including low-paid workers, and only exclude people who don’t want to, or won’t, work.
Of course, people must be offered work that is suitable for their education and skills, and feasible, considering expenses and difficulties like travel to work, affording a home and health issues. They should be left, after basic necessities, with some money to afford a “life”. How many times can you reduce a benefit before you reach rock bottom? Ten per cent off £100 leaves £90, hardly enough to pay the rent. On the other hand, ten per cent off £1 million leaves £900,000! How many people could be paid benefits out of £100,000, still leaving £900,000 for the wealthy to spend, save, invest or even reach for the sky!
We should get our basic principles right first, then everything else would fall into place, and Britain could become the first truly great nation in the world.
LORETTA GOOCH,
Hellifield.

REGARDING the New Laithe Barn in Newton Grange Farm, Bank Newton, as a supporter of the English Countryside and National Trust Properties, I would like to write personally in support of the barn restoration at Bank Newton (“Restored barn faces demolition”, Craven Herald, October 29).
I am very disappointed planning permission has been refused, as I believe this barn has been maintained in order to allow its continuing use as a farm building, which has been on this site for more than 200 years to, and I quote the current legislation: “To support the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas, both through conservation of existing buildings and well designed new buildings”.
I do not agree this is “sporadic unjustified development” as this existing building has been made secure and safe for its continuing use. This barn has been sensitively restored. All credit to the farmer, who has finished the building to such a high standard. It is now certainly “fit for purpose” and able to be used safely by future generations for the next 200 years.
I believe in the importance of retaining our heritage, wherever possible, with traditional-style farm buildings, enhancing the character of the countryside and ultimately benefitting us all.
GERALDINE SULLIVAN,
Woodford.

I HOPE the walker rescued last week near Ingleton is well (Rescue aircraft stranded after fault stops take off”, Craven Herald, November 19).
However, how much did the rescue cost?
In your report, you state the Cave Rescue Organisation was called out. Then a search and rescue helicopter flew all the way from North Wales. Subsequently, at least three fire engines attended the incident followed by an ambulance!
The weather forecast for last weekend was horrendous and had been predicted for several days. Surely, the walker must have been well aware of the expected conditions. Could he or she not have postponed their outing for another time?
Their rescue must have cost several thousands of pounds for staff salaries, helicopter and vehicles. All for a lack of thought and consideration.
DAVID RADCLIFFE,
Sutton-in-Craven.

IN LAST week’s Dales Life supplement of the Craven Herald, you mistakenly attributed an excellent and informative article on rights of way in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to myself (“Prioritising your rights of way” November 19).
The author of the piece was in fact your ace reporter, Lesley Tate. Credit where credit is due.
Maintaining the rights of way network is firmly within the two statutory purposes of all National Parks, which are to conserve the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area and to promote wide public understanding and quiet enjoyment of them.
We also have a duty, while enacting these statutory purposes, to seek to foster the social and economic well-being of communities within each national park. Here in the Yorkshire Dales, we place great emphasis on that duty. In the Yorkshire Dales, we have a vast network of footpaths, bridleways and green lanes, which, since the 1970s, have been transformed from boggy mess, blockage and dilapidation into vital recreational facility to support the crucial tourism industry of the Yorkshire Dales.
The Three Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Penyghent were the test-bed of innovation on sustainable path surfaces, and efforts are currently being made to make rights of way compliant for users with disabilities. The work goes on, but with, as in common with other public agencies, much reduced funding.
Bearing in mind our economic duty to Dales communities, we must in these continuing times of austerity have a proper and greater regard to the residents and businesses who rely on us.
COUNCILLOR ROBERT HESELTINE,
Newmarket Street, Skipton.

FOR our democratic system to work effectively we need a strong opposition.
It is worrying the present Labour Party is in such a state of disarray and in no position to monitor the government’s actions.
Jeremy Corbyn, while giving the impression of being calm, thoughtful and principled, addressed members of the terrorist organisation Hamas as “friends”.
Shadow Chancellor John McConnell has made comments like “the peace we have now is due to the action of the IRA” and he compared the “tragedy” of 9/11 with the death of Osama bin Laden.
Under these two men, there would be reduced surveillance and less global anti-terror co-operation. Air strikes against Isil and drone strikes anywhere would be out of the question.
An equally left-wing politician, the French President Francois Hollande, says we are at war. Which view is closer to that of the average European citizen?
The view of the unsuccessful Labour Party candidate for Skipton and Ripon in last year’s general election would be of interest.
JOHN CLARK,
Burnsall.

FIRST of all, I must thank Nick Hodgson for taking the trouble to reply to my letter (“Charity benefits most from mountain trek”, Craven Herald, October 29).
I am afraid we must agree to disagree on the ethics of this method of fundraising. Do sponsors know their hard-earned money may be paying for someone’s holiday? I would think it unlikely that anyone on the trip would admit they hadn’t paid their way.
Also, when I mentioned accounts, I meant the business of organising the holiday in the first place. Someone at Macmillan is being paid to sit in front of their computer in a cosy office sorting not just this holiday, but many more.
However, enough said because I would like to say a big well done to Caroline Wooler – landlady of The Cross Keys, Skipton – who managed to raise £4,123.40 for Manorlands Hospice by holding a fun day. A day giving pleasure to many people all with their feet firmly on the ground.
FREDA DUERDEN,
Colne.

FOR those who find winter a depressing time, my advice would be to get walking.
Walking has many benefits for our health but less frequently discussed is how it helps us remain positive and happy. In fact, walking has been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression by 20 per cent.
Walking for just part of the journey to work can significantly boost our happiness levels, which is especially important during the winter months when many of us get up, travel in the dark and can find it hard to incorporate activity into the day. It stimulates endorphins, which help to improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of stress.
Walking is free, accessible and easy to build into everyday life. Research suggests that active people are 30 per cent less likely to feel distressed and 30 per cent more likely to experience enhanced levels of well-being.
TOMPION PLATT,
Head of Policy and Research at Living Streets,
Wentworth Street, London.

I WRITE in reply to Ruth Parker, from Cononley, complaining about driving to Water Street School, Skipton, and having to pay at Coach Street car park (“Parents should not have to pay charge Craven Herald, November 5”).
Leave the car at home and let the train take the strain. Your return tickets may work out cheaper than cranking the car up.
DAVID ROSS,
Clifford Court, Skipton.