Letters: Commitment?

Four years ago, after consultation with the community of East Cleveland, a decision was taken to create a federation with a smaller school maintained on each village site. This system works in other rural areas and raises standards of expectation and achievement for students and creates opportunities for life-long learning and skills development.

However, it needed commitment and a large investment which was promised and then withdrawn by the Labour Government.

The means to attain first-class education for our children was denied and Dr Kumar was silent. Since then, the children and parents of East Cleveland have endured setback after setback.

The Conservatives have worked with the education department and until now made no political points about the situation so as not to add to the worry suffered by the community. Steve Kay and the East Cleveland Independent Party have made inaccurate statements designed to generate newspaper coverage, quality education seeming to be the last thing on their mind. Indeed, Bruce Mackenzie was removed as a school governor for non-attendance at meetings.

Labour's record is not to be boasted about; lead councillors Walsh and McLuckie also having been removed for non-attendance, Dave McLuckie from Freebrough itself. So much for Labour's commitment to education in East Cleveland, Dr Kumar.

VALERIE HALTON

Conservative Councillor,

Belmangate,

Guisborough.

Memories

Sir, - After writing a section on the reservoir in Boltby ...a History (Maxiprint, York 2002) I decided to try to find out more about the company that built it.

Thirsk and District Water Company supplied Boltby water to numerous places surrounding Thirsk from 1881, but unfortunately the company records did not survive the compulsory merger with Ryedale Water Board in 1965.

I've been able to obtain some information about Thirsk Water Company from other sources, not least in the fascinating back copies of the D&S!

In addition, various individuals - including some ex-employees - have generously shared their knowledge about the history of the company down to the 1964 public inquiry held in Thirsk Town Hall.

I would like to invite anyone prepared to offer memories or papers related to Thirsk Water Compnay to contact me on 01845 537605. I should add that no information given will be used in public without the permission of the person who supplied it.

BERNIE ECCLESTON

North End,

Boltby,

Thirsk.

Thanks to NHS

Sir, - In an age where the National Health Service comes under constant criticism, I would like to inform people of my recent experiences.

Sadly my husband died recently from cancer. He was treated by the local doctor, the district nurses and carers from Bedale, who were all so helpful and kind.

He also had two short stays in the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, where he was treated with kindness and consideration by the surgeon, nurses and all the staff.

My husband, because of his illness, was always treated promptly with the maximum of consideration, respect and understanding. He was provided with the best equipment so that he could spend his last days at home, in the comfort of his family and friends.

Consequently, I would like to thank the National Health Service in this area, which I feel could have done little more to help at this difficult time.

NORENA BACKHOUSE

Thornton Watlass,

Ripon.

If you can't take it

Sir, - I attended the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority meeting at Skipton on Tuesday, April 1, and am surprised to read (D&S, Apr 4) that Jerry Pearlman claims to have been threatened by John Blackie.

There had been a heated debate about Cams Houses in which Mr Blackie strongly supported the conversion of the barn into a house for economical rent. Mr Pearlman was strongly against.

My advice to Mr Pearlman is: do not give it if you cannot take it.

At least Mr Blackie cares for the residents of the park who live and work in the Dales. Not like some!

TOM KNOWLES

Sycamore Close,

Spennithorne,

Leyburn.