Sir – Councillor Heseltine’s timely comments along with Mrs Fox’s letter and the leader in the paper (February 20) regarding parking remind one of the wisdom of the ancient biblical saying about the “letter and spirit of the law”.

It was believed that there are two ways of considering the laws of the land.

It is indeed important to interpret the law rigidly – that is, strictly by the “letter” when it is apparent that by not doing so would infringe or inconvenience the rights of others.

However, there are many other occasions where it is more rational to go by the “spirit” of the law – which indicates that a mere rigid adherence to what the law says would be absurd and would serve no purpose whatsoever when a non-observance would not, at that time or in those particular circumstances, cause any inconvenience to, nor infringe the rights of others.

It is clearly a case of the authorities – whether it be Craven District Council or the even more rigidly bureaucratic (and totally unimaginative) Harrogate authority – never having heard of such wise biblical counsel.

The more insidious reason for this unimaginative pursuit of the private motorist is not of course on account of his or her “heinous” breaking of the law – whether in the strict sense of the “letter” or merely innocently in the “spirit” – it is just an excuse thought up by the typical bureaucratic imagination of officialdom for making money.

Arthur Butterworth, Embsay

Racing cyclists

Sir – The cyclist Jim O’Rourke poses a question “food for thought?” in last week’s Herald, having quoted various statistics to show that cyclists are a persecuted minority, being daily killed, injured or abused by hordes of demon motorists!

Well, Mr O’Rourke, I would like to offer you some comments but I don’t think you will find them palatable.

I have seen cyclists breaking the law. When I drove down the Bailey one Sunday lunchtime and was on the roundabout turning right, a large crowd of cyclists (must have been 50 or more) were racing up High Street, at least three a breast.

They completely ignored the fact that it was my right of way at the roundabout.

They weren’t even looking and as I continued on my legal way, those who realised I was there and had to stop were very annoyed, some waving fists at me.

No other road users are able to use the road system for racing and yet cyclists seem to think they have a right to do so and speed accordingly.

On another occasion, my wife and I were driving from Embsay, coming down the hill through the village. I was braking to keep within the 30mph speed limit, and yet two cyclists overtook us, clearly speeding.

Mr O’Rourke then whines about injured cyclists, but I wonder how many of them are the authors of their own misfortunes? Last year I was in a long queue of traffic on High Street and a cyclist blithely weaved in and out of the traffic and apart from it being annoying, I was concerned for his safety as not all motorists would anticipate such a cavalier attitude.

Cyclists also cause accidents. Perhaps Mr O’Rourke should try quoting his statistics at the poor little girl down south who was injured last year and permanently disabled when a cyclist failed to stop at red lights. Or Nicole Kidman who was knocked over in New York when by a cyclist who was riding illegally on the pavement.

I am not anti-cyclist, but I am anti certain attitudes of cyclists. They are in distinct contrast to the oldest road users of all: horses.

I have never had any problems with or from horse riders who have been unfailingly polite in using the road.

They have a lot more to put up with but you don’t find whinging letters from them in your paper, nor do you find them racing dangerously on the roads.

Norman Fairbairn, Skipton

Women’s Day

Sir – I’m marking International Women's Day (March 8) by committing to walk 10,000 steps a day for a week, in solidarity with women worldwide.

I will be joining hundreds of women across the UK taking part in CARE International's Walk In Her Shoes campaign.

Across the world, women bear the brunt of poverty, vulnerability and domestic drudgery In countless countries it is still common for women and girls to have to spend their days doing backbreaking work like walking miles for water instead of attending school or paid work, trapping generations of girls in the cycle of poverty and preventing them from fulfilling their potential.

By walking I will be raising funds for CARE's work – including providing clean water to poor communities – so women and girls can spend their days living, learning and earning instead of making gruelling journeys for water, simply to survive.

I’d like to encourage readers of Craven Herald to “walk in her shoes” too. Visit www.careinternational.org.uk/walk Jo Croft Skipton Unhelpful Godfrey Sir – I see Godfrey Bloom has had another letter in the Craven Herald.

I used to be irritated by space given to his often negative and sometimes unhelpful observations, but now I get it.

You want your readers to stirred into thinking through a balance and positive viewpoint, which will probably the exact opposite of those voiced by our MEP. Now he is criticising Church Leaders for being concerned about welfare reform and its impact on the poor and needy in our country. Surely this means they must be on the right track.

Peter Yorkstone, Kettlewell

Quality care

Sir – I was recently admitted to Ward 20 Airedale Hospital for day surgery.

From the moment I arrived to when I left I was treated with utmost courtesy and professionalism – the receptionist, surgeon, anaesthetist, nurses and in particular my named nurse Jane could not have been better.

I strongly believe that we are extremely fortunate to have such a great facility available for us. Very satisfied customer.

Joe Byrne, Cowling

Skipton deserves better than superstore plan

Sir – Readers of the Herald will have noticed the weird comments made by supporters of the proposed Wyvern Park incorporating a very large Sainsburys.

These would be hilarious were it not for the separate and desperate, selfish pressure of the developer.

There have been dark hints of collusion between valid objectors and Morrisons and Tesco.

Then, these two stores were accused of lacking community involvement.

This, of course, is untrue and unfair.

Next, there were those willing to inflict damage on the town for the gamble of a few pence off petrol.

If a petrol-station on a bypass with no other fuel available for miles is able to independently sustain a discount – it will be a first.

Then we had the perfect ‘own goal’. Question: What’s the fuss? Sainsburys will not have any impact on town centre shopping because they will sell what the other stores sell.

Exactly! So what will they rely on? Offers, and passing trade and people on the outskirts of Skipton who would normally have come into town. This is supermarket wars.

But hold on. One of the developer’s main props says that 30 per cent of expenditure on food and ‘convenience items’ goes outside the area and Sainsbury’s is necessary to address this. Rubbish! What with?

Also, what is the area? People in Crosshills or Sutton already have the choice of Sainsbury’s and other stores in Keighley.

Another of the developer’s dubious props that is of great concern is their ill thought-out traffic scheme.

They say that the link road (Carleton Road) will not be detrimental to the town and give the illusion that Carleton New Road will carry the bulk of the heavy traffic.

This road is very often only one lane.

It goes from the station to a crossroads and one of the worst junctions in Skipton on Carleton Road.

It is poorly drained and also now a pedestrian route for schoolchildren.

Carleton Road to the east has been whitewashed-out of the scheme. There have been no traffic counts, no checks on types of vehicles, no speed checks and no environmental health checks on this dangerous stretch.

This is a bad scheme for Skipton and we deserve better.

G W Wood, Skipton

Taxing issues

Sir – I write in good natured factual response to last week’s letter “Town Council Tax”.

A week before the council meeting, when the town council budget was to be decided, new pertinent information was brought to the attention of myself and the chief officer of the council. Not to have brought it to the attention of members would have been an abrogation of responsibilities as deputy leader of the town council.

Firstly, North Yorkshire County Council has given notice that it is to cease all grass cutting in urban areas, including Skipton.

Secondly, the town council pays over £20,000 per year maintaining public toilets in Skipton that the Conservative controlled Craven District Council had abandoned. A refurbishment of these toilets will cost the town council at least £60,000.

Additionally, the Conservative leader of CDC Coun Chris Knowles-Fitton has, from his public statements, made it abundantly clear that it is his intention to retain any parish grant monies from central government to bolster the financial position of the district council.

It was with this late information that the Conservative leader of the town council and myself met with our chief officer to discuss the new fiscal challenges we were faced with. The leader of the council did bring the latest financial facts to his political colleagues immediately, so the Conservative members were properly informed before the budget debate.

An amendment was duly proposed of 4.76% rather than the 2.04% to recognise the changed financial circumstances. After a lengthy budget debate, a democratic cross-party decision was taken in the best interests of providing services for the residents and businesses of Skipton.

Your readers will recall that last year the town council for Skipton increased its budget by 6%, which was unanimously supported by the same Conservative members.

Incidentally, CDC is currently managing Long Preston Parish Council and its political nominees have set a 45% plus increase in precept. No doubt well justified.

Over the years I have been accused politically of being “to the right of Genghis Khan” but with an acute social conscience.

As an independent member my approach is to take a sound, sensible position on all matters that affect the residents of Skipton, Craven and North Yorkshire without being fettered by national politics of any persuasion.

Without doubt all members of parish councils are voluntary and unpaid with the best interests of residents at heart. Only at budget and election time do silly percentages and politics arise.

A final thought from verses of a “witty ditty” passed to me by a council tax payer in Skipton.

Skipton Councillors, what should we do?

Shall we close the Coach Station loo?

Should we raise the council tax before you chose to digest the facts.

First of all this ain’t your doing Thanks Eric Pickles (cue raucous booing) It’s he who slashed the parish base What you must do is make your case Two quid a year’s too much they say We ask again oh why oh why The issue here’s about our town Not some local political crown I rest my case.

County and town councillor Robert Hesletine, Skipton

Historical notes

Sir – I enjoyed the article about Skipton Castle in last week’s Craven Herald, but found myself mildly amused at the description of John the 9th Baron Clifford’s “antics”.

At the battle of Wakefield on December 30, 1460, Clifford was a leading light in the Lancastrian cause. It needs to be said that the War of the Roses was never between Yorkshire and Lancashire, but between the rival branches of the Plantagenet family, the Dukes of York and Lancaster, each claiming the throne by descent from Edward III.

Indeed, large areas of Yorkshire were Lancastrian, including Skipton.

At Wakefield, a Yorkist force under Richard Duke of York was defeated by a superior Lancastrian force. The Duke was killed ruing the battle and his second son, Edmond, a teenager, surrendered and was brought to Clifford who stabbed the unarmed youth to death saying that it was in revenge for the death of his own father killed at the battle of St Albans in 1455.

This act was thoughtless, and was to have serious consequences as royal prisoners were valuable, and usually kept alive to be used as hostages or for ransom.

Other noblemen who were captured usually fared worse, and indeed several were hurried off to Pontefract Castle and beheaded, including the Earl of Salisbury.

The Duke of York’s head was cut off and taken on a pike by Clifford to York, and presented to Queen Margaret, wife of Henry VI, who had it and that of Salisbury displayed on spikes on Micklegate Bar looking down on the city.

The main Lancastrian force was now at York, but in the meantime a strong Yorkist force under Warwick hastened north and took up position around Pontefract, and were soon joined by Edward, now Duke of York, and soon to be Edward IV.

The Lancastrian faction now realised that the Yorkists could control the two strategic crossings over the River Aire at Ferrybridge and Castleford and dispatched an expeditionary force under Clifford’s command to try to secure the Ferrybridge crossing and in a dawn raid Clifford’s men surprised and routed those holding the bridge on March 28, 1461.

However, unknown to Clifford, Edward had sent a force to Castleford and crossing there they turned east along the north bank of the river and soon came upon Clifford’s force which was forced to retreat. In the running battle, Clifford was killed on Brotherton Marsh.

Now the Yorkists crossed the river with a force of some 60,000, whilst the Lancastrians came south from York with an equivalent sized force with the two armies meeting at Towton and in the ensuing battle, fought in a snow storm on Palm Sunday, 1461, it was estimated that the total killed was 38,000.

This huge number came about because no quarter was given.

The Yorkists, incensed by the murder of the young prince at Wakefield and the subsequent humiliation of the dead Duke of York issued the order not to take prisoners, so all who were wounded or captured were killed out of hand.

No doubt the Lancastrians, recognising what was happening, followed the same course.

John Clifford was a young and gifted commander, but his hotheaded actions were to bring about the largest death toll of any battle fought on English soil.

Nor was he at the battle of Towtown to witness the results of his actions as he was killed two days before.

David Stephens, Skipton

We are interested

Sir – Mr Swallow, in his letter last week, accused people of Hellifield of not wanting to know about their station. He was wrong. I have lived in Midland Terrace for 18 years and see people walking or driving up the road for their daily commute, families trundling luggage up or returning laden with shopping, couples in hiking boots, locals going for a cuppa.

I have done all these myself, and still go with my wife for the occasional lunch or Dalesrail trip. What better way of showing they care about the station than by using it for travel?

Mr Swallow is correct in that the refurbishment of the public part of the station has presented an opportunity for local people to become more involved.

Yes, we could do with more people using the station. Perhaps they don’t because the Northern Rail part is bleak, and for the last few years, it has been tatty.

Parking is a mess. That compares to the West Coast section, well-maintained by the Working Party and the Friends of Hellifield Station. What do we do about the public part? With the blessing of the parish council, we are looking at ways of making the experience of using the station by both passengers and visitors, so much more pleasant. We hope that it might contribute much more to the economy of the village as a whole. I don’t want the new initiative to become just a talking shop, I want to see action. As I understand it from a member of the working party and Friends of Hellifield Station, they are not formally constituted. From my experience, when negotiating with, or lobbying with bodies like Network Rail, you need a formal structure for them to take notice.

There may be funds available to use for the public part of the station, and generally, funding bodies will not consider informal groups. The existing informal groups have done an excellent job at one end of the station, let’s see whether we can match that at the other.

We would like those groups to become involved with the initiative, or perhaps take it on themselves.

We have representatives from two of the existing groups, willing to participate in, if not join a committee.

I don’t know if Mr Swallow came along to either of the first two well-publicised meetings in November or January, but he didn’t leave his name if he did.

If Mr Swallow, or anyone else, would like to find out more about what we aim to do, please get in touch.

Our next meeting is on March 27 at 7:30pm, venue to be confirmed.

It will be publicised in The Craven Herald and by posters in the village.

If you are on our email or phone list, you will be notified that way. My email address is david.j.gooch@btinternet.com.

David Gooch, Hellifield