Sir, - It was with interest that I read about the sale of the carriage collection at Aysgarth (D&S, Sept 5).

As a regular visitor to the Dales, and Wensleydale in particular (presently in the middle of my 23rd visit), I have witnessed the general demise of the carriage museum during the past six or seven years.

Its present outward appearance is totally uninviting and seemingly devoted to a charity "antiques emporium" with assorted clutter littering the entrance area and either dirty or boarded-up windows adding to the general decay of a once-proud building.

Is it any wonder that visitor numbers have declined? I note that the present curators have seemingly ignored this aspect and placed the blame on the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001. But that was two years ago and there has been little effort by them to rectify things. It seems a typical example of mismanagement and a squandering of resources available.

I can remember a time when the then curator, Robin Walker, hitched up horses to one of the exhibits and took visitors on short trips to Carperby, which gave a real sense of history as well as performing a public relations exercise and adding to the interest of the static exhibition.

Whilst not being an habitual protestor, I feel that I must register my disgust at the loss of a valuable piece of history and the manner by which it was done.

It will be interesting to witness the building's proposed regeneration as a base for craft workshops should it receive the blessing of the Health and Safety Executive.

PHILIP THOMPSON

Potters Lane,

Send,

Surrey.

Wonderful job

Sir, - I wish to thank the Richmond branch of the Royal British Legion, and the contractors, for their excellent work restoring the railings on the Green Howards' war memorial, funded by North Yorkshire Council.

The damaged railings were straightened by army volunteers. Following this, the contractors, assisted by Legion voluntary workers, worked hard to ensure that the rust was wire brushed off meticulously and finally painted with a gold trim.

The project has improved the appearance of the memorial immeasurably. Having some paint to spare, the team then painted to match the set of railings dividing the entrance to Maison Dieu and Darlington Road - a most visible example of "Richmond Pride".

In all my travels around the North of England and Scotland I have yet to see a finer war memorial. The setting at the bottom of Barrack Hill (as we locals used to call it) on the way to the Green Howards' depot, with the railings and pillars and the three fine sets of stone steps down into Frenchgate, provide a poignant reminder of those Green Howards who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two world wars and subsequently in other theatres of war.

I am sure the wreath layers, representing the various Richmond associations paying tribute to the fallen, will be proud to do so in the knowledge that many people still care deeply enough about these matters to provide a well-cared-for memorial as befits such a fine regiment.

OLIVER BLEASE

Newbiggin,

Richmond.

Valued trustees

Sir, - I refer to the letter from Geoff Garbutt about Thirsk's cycle plan(D&S, Aug 22)

The trustees of Thirsk Millennium Green have not withdrawn support for the introduction of a cycle path through the Millennium green. We have reserved our decision until we see detailed plans, particularly proposals for the safe entry and exits to the site by both cyclists and pedestrians.

Couns Jan Marshall and Derek Adamson are valuable trustees and the often unseen work they undertake in maintaining the green, organising community events on the green and the clearing of rubbish from it make Thirsk a richer place for their voluntary activities.

By contrast, when we denigrate the politicians through cynicism, innuendo and suggestions of conspiracy, the community is the poorer for it.

MIKE I'ANSON

Chairman Thirsk Millennium Green Trust

Fairfield,

Thirsk.

Not a record

Sir, - I refer to Mr Whittaker's letter about no traffic lights between Bedale and Northallerton (D&S, Sept 5). Is this a record, he asks?

Sorry Mr Whittaker, the answer is no. I once did this in the early Fifites.

KEN CORPS

Holly Road,

Aiskew,

Bedale.