Sir, - I am a resident of Osmotherley village. The surroundings are beautiful, but over the past few months I have noticed that Cod Beck is getting cluttered with litter. I have taken plenty of photos backing my argument (see below, right).

This has to stop and fast.

The water level is going down rapidly and that will start to kill ducks, geese, fish and other small underwater animals.

Although there are big signs that say "no camping", "no fires", and "take your litter home", people ignore them. Something needs to be done, for example someone could go around there once or twice a week and pick up the litter.

The litter is affecting the purity of the water, animals such as fish could get their heads trapped in plastic, deer could cut their feet on beer cans etc.

The litter is not my only concern. It is that people are being mean to wildlife. Whilst I was up there I saw a group of young men throwing stones at the geese on the water.

SARA TILLYER SMITH

(aged 11)

West End,

Osmotherley.

Parish panto

Sir, - Regarding your recent reports and letters concerning Hutton Rudby Village hall.

When the first plans were unveiled, the hall was to be totally rebuilt. I and a number of friends were against this as we like the look of the village hall the way it is.

But later it was announced that only enough money could be raised to refurbish the original building. Being in favour of this we held a charity night in a local pub and raised over a £100 for the fund.

It now seems that the parish council is going to take whatever money it wants, whether we like it or not.

If this is the case I feel we have been conned and the money we raised could have gone to a more deserving case. I'm sure other people who raised money in similar ways must feel the same. After all, what is the point of donating money if you are going to have it taken from you anyway.

M FAULKNER

Enterpen,

Hutton Rudby.

Sir, - Who needs a village hall pantomime when you can come and observe the antics of Hutton Rudby Parish Council?

It is very sad how just a handful of councillors can cause so much distress and anger. Who are they representing, when they simply ignore villagers concerns, questions and suggestions? A request for a democratic postal vote was again ignored.

To see the council vote overwhelmingly for the project in front of so much hostility was astonishing to witness. A system that allows local councilors this sort of power needs to be addressed, urgently.

PAT STEWART

Hutton Rudby.