Parish views ignored

At this meeting a vote was taken on the controversial planning application submitted by Tarmac Northern to quarry Ladybridge Farm. The application is of huge national and local importance and, if unopposed, will result in further destruction of the natural landscape and archaeological setting of Thornborough Henges.

Firstly, I would like to question the way in which this meeting was run. The parish council neither informed the public on the parish notice board or on the agenda that the Ladybridge application would be discussed and voted upon. No opportunity to speak scheme was in place. No agenda was provided for the public. One of the four parish councillors arrived late.

Prior to this meeting, a notice, written by a local resident, was circulated in Thornborough and Nosterfield informing the people that the Ladybridge application would be discussed at this meeting. The parish council was extremely angry with the notice, saying, even though the heading was incorrect, the notice implied it was from them. The notice purely informed the public about the content of the meeting and encouraged them to attend. What is the parish council afraid of? Don't they want local people to come to parish meetings?

Secondly, I would like to question the lack of respect that the parish council showed towards the Friends of Thornborough action group. Mr Lonsdale, a local resident and a representative of Friends of Thornborough, asked if he would be permitted to speak as agreed by the PC at the last meeting. The parish council denied having made the invitation to Mr Lonsdale to speak.

Finally, and most importantly, I would like to question the attitude of parish council members towards the general public they were elected to represent. The chairman, Coun Richardson, said: "Parish council decisions are nothing to do with the members of the public". As a result over half the meeting attendees walked out. Is it acceptable or democratic to give the public such a hostile reception? Has the parish council consulted local people on the Ladybridge issue? Not as far as I know.

The strength of feeling among local people was voiced some months ago in a petition organised by the Friends of Thornborough, when 90pc expressed opposition to the further quarrying of the landscape setting of Thornborough Henges.. Despite this, the Tanfield Parish councillors voted outright not to oppose the Ladybridge Farm planning application.

I believe Tanfield Parish Council is betraying local people. Does this farce represent healthy 21st century democracy? Whose views do the parish council represent? Tarmac Northern? The landowners? The local people? Something is wrong in the parish of Tanfield.

ANNA HORSEY

Mallorie Park Drive,

Ripon.

A reasonable case

Sir, - My colleagues and I at Nosterfield Quarry have heard and read some mixed messages about our planning application to extract sand and gravel on the adjoining 45-hectare Ladybridge site.

In the interests of fair debate, may we briefly state our case?

Firstly, we have seen the word "dishonest" used in one web site referring to our application. Throughout our company's operation at Nosterfield we have openly discussed our actions and intentions with our neighbours and with all parties and will continue to do so.

Secondly, the proposed Ladybridge site does not abut the protected zone around the Thornborough Henges. It is further away from the henges than the present quarry. The henges are protected ancient monuments and we expect to play our part in ensuring their future. On the wider topic of enabling archaeological study and recording of finds on our working area, we feel our track record speaks for itself.

Thirdly, the landscape. Yes, quarrying does bring about a change in the landscape. But a change for the worse? The proposal for Ladybridge allows for restoration to a combination of agriculture, nature conservation, and "quiet recreation". Our past and current restoration projects show that within only a few years the wet areas become a habitat for birds and other wildlife. Nosterfield Nature Reserve - a former quarry - has over 200 species of birds, 200 species of plants and insects and 20 different types of butterfly.

Lastly, the positive reason for wanting to continue to operate Nosterfield is because it is one of the top sand and gravel quarries in the UK. We produce material which is in strong demand for construction projects that the region and the nation needs. We employ 15 staff and 40 drivers employed by haulage contractors. We make an economic contribution to the district. The quarry processing and loading plant is unobtrusive and well shielded from sight. We have a short route for lorries to the A1 which goes through no villages.

These add up, we believe, to a reasonable case for our well-run quarry to continue and to co-exist with our neighbours, agriculture, nature and archaeology.

ALAN COE

Quarry Manager,

Nosterfield Quarry,

Nr Bedale.

Try harder

Sir, - Last week Insp Chris Charlton of North Yorkshire Police made comments about the level of policing on the B1257 Stokesley to Helmsley road.

Insp Charlton said: "Since April 1 this year 113 hours of police time has been focussed on this section of road". Now April 1 was on a Thursday, and if we all count up to say Friday, September 24, 2004 Insp Charlton will find that comes to 166 days or 4,008 hrs. During this period you will find that there are four bank holidays plus Stokesley Show plus the road race meeting at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough. The 113 hours Insp Charlton claims he and his colleagues were on the job or "still working on it" comes to 3 days.

We all know this road is not policed the way it should be. Please, Insp Charlton we know its hard, try harder!

ANDREW NAYLOR

Welbury,

Northallerton.

Good job done

Sir, - Just for once, I want to write to congratulate one of our local councils for work well done, rather than to just complain.

The work is nearing completion on the demolition and reconstruction of the new bridge over the Cod Beck at the southern end of Sowerby, and what an improvement it is on the tired and threadbare concrete structure it replaces.

Well done to the designers and contractors, who have combined to provide us with a handsome brick and stone bridge, in keeping with the local architecture. It should last longer than the old one did!

I am less sanguine about the poor old Blakey bridge, the other route out of Sowerby. Since it was badly damaged by some lorry driver who apparently couldn't read a map or a warning roadsign, it still awaits repair, and over the last few weeks has sustained further damage. Unless it is fixed soon, it will suffer permanent harm from winter rains and frosts.

I don't want to appear greedy, but just because we have a smart new bridge, doesn't mean that we can afford to lose an historic old one!

CHRISTOPHER M PURSER

Front Street,

Sowerby,

Thirsk