Sir, - Further to Messrs Ellerby and Townsend (D&S letters, July 18) it is rather sad to see that fox hunting supporters cannot accept the will of the nation and are encouraging fox hunters to break the law when this outdated and cruel pastime is banned.

We have had four record-breaking votes in Parliament against fox hunting which resulted in the usual whinging from the pro-hunt lot of "townie and urbinite" MP's voting for the ban. Every recognised and valid poll has shown a substantial majority of the public are against hunting with dogs.

The hunting fraternity should get it into their heads that the countryside belongs to and is for the benefit of every single person in this nation and it does not belong to a tiny minority who derive pleasure from watching an animal being torn to pieces by a pack of dogs.

Their arguments of job losses, destruction of the countryside, and collapse of rural social structure have long ago been exposed as sanctimonious cant. Since fox hunting has been banned in Scotland and during the ban due to foot-and-mouth was there mass deprivation? Bid it make any difference to the fox population? The answer is a no.

Mr Ellerby contends that anti-hunt people are impotent in bringing any fox hunter to arrest. Then maybe he missed a recent report of a banned motorist being filmed driving a car by a member of the public which resulted in the culprit being sent to prison for six months.

Much debate has taken place over the future of the House of Lords. If anything justifies the abolition of this unelected chamber containing hereditary peers then it is the stance on fox hunting.

I am not sure how Mr Townsend would define democracy but I rather suspect that an elected chamber represents the will of the nation far more than a bunch of unelected peers whose presence in the House of Lords is due to the dubious antics of their ancestors a few hundred years ago.

The issue of banning fox hunting is now far wider than stopping an anti-social cruel pastime.

Democracy is at stake. Who will be the next minority to threaten the Government?

TREVOR NICHOLSON

Mill Lane,

Leeming.

Busy town

Sir, - I refer to the report about the future of town centre trade in Yarm (D&S, July 25). I have lived here for 22 years.

The vast majority of businesses which are focussed on value for money and customer service are doing very well. The town is always busy, regardless of weather or time of day, so there is no shortage of customers. Those businesses which are seeing reduced margins should first examine their trading strategy.

Multiplying the number of people in the town will not encourage people to enter shops which are out of touch with their needs.

I am pleased to see that Stockton Council is addressing the issue of parking for the town. This is the proper way to do it, not some ill thought-out scheme. I do not want to see Yarm as a centre for coach tours etc. and I would be very surprised if this was the view of the parish council.

The idea for better utilisation of the river is very good. It is sad that such a beautiful asset is largely unused.

I stay away from Yarm during the three or four days of the fair, but support its operation in the town. The suggestion that this period, which represents 1pc of most businesses' trading year, "knocks businesses in the town for six" is absolutely ridiculous.

G P ABBOTT

Mount Leven Road,

Yarm.

Great pictures

Sir, - Looking at the lovely photograph at the head of your leader page (D&S, July 18), I would like to send a note of appreciation of the work of your photographer, Nigel Whitefield.

His eye for a good scene never fails and his work is a constant source of pleasure. Long may he continue to capture the essence of our lovely countryside.

ALAN SWAN

Greenmount Road,

Darlington.