Sir, - I was heartened, but not surprised, to read the article about moves to form (or re-form) a pressure group in Darlington to protect the townscape (D&S, Jan 10). Older readers will recall that a situation similar to the present had developed some 30 to 35 years ago and, perhaps, conclude that local history is now repeating itself.

Then as now:

* Darlington Council (an unitary authority without a separate planning department) embarked on an expansionist policy to attract development;

* Central government was happy to see money poured into new building and roads in the area;

* Ambitious local politicians embraced a programme of growth to enhance their image;

* Demolition of many fine buildings (such as the Fleece Hotel) was allowed, to be replaced by the modem and mediocre;

* Local people lost confidence in the local planning authority which had acquired a reputation for weakness in the face of commercial greed and political ambition. They then responded to the situation by forming the Darlington Civic Society to voice their growing fears and remind the Council of its duty to conserve the best of the past.

Matters began to improve in the early 1970s with a change in the attitude of central government.

The then Environment Secretary, Geoffrey Rippon, halted the demolition of Covent Garden by the GLC, to be quickly followed by his Local Government Minister, the Rev Lord Sandford, who halted the demolition of 8-12 Horsemarket and Bennet House by Darlington CBC.

A newly-elected council mended its ways, established a separate planning department, and embarked on a programme of conservation and environmental improvements, supported by the Civic Society. Development pressures eased with the collapse of the commercial property market in 1974, and, in 1975, the government cut back public spending, Environment Secretary Anthony Crosland saying "the party's over."

Now, it seems, the clock has gone back 35 years in Darlington, with planning standards rapidly going downhill again. However, local people should not this time expect to be supported by a Secretary of State responsible for planning who refuses to call in controversial applications and hold public inquiries, or, when he does, overrides his inspector's recommendations.

They are right to be fearful of the consequences of a council wedded to commercial interests and expansion, and a Secretary of State unwilling to use his substantial power to protect local communities from the worst excesses of their local planning authorities.

CLIVE OWEN

Former chief planning officer/chief executive, Darlington Borough

Council,

Middleton Lane,

Middleton St George.

Sir, - I know I am not alone in feeling that local authorities should do more about protecting historic buildings and townscape.

Recently, there have been numerous planning applications which have galvanised the public to object against destructive developments, but to no avail - for example, Chesterfield and Greystones in Darlington.

These will not be the last applications to be approved despite fierce public opposition.

It seems that the destruction of our townscape is justified by the planning authority which cites Government planning guidelines while choosing to ignore other policies designed to protect.

The protection and enhancement of our townscape and the environment seem to be a long way down the agenda of priorities in the planning process.

Many directives from central Government do not take account of local requirements, and it is important that we, as local people, have a voice that is at least heard and considered.

With this in mind, a public meeting has been arranged for Wednesday, January 22, at 7.30 in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

At this meeting, representatives from English Heritage and the North East Civic Trust will explain their roles in protecting our townscape. An open discussion will follow to consider the merit of resurrecting a local branch of the Civic Trust or whether an alternative organisation would be more appropriate to voice objections.

If anyone cannot attend but would be interested in further information, contact me on 01325 244389.

JENNY LEEMING

Chartered landscape architect,

Darlington.

Police pay puzzle

Sir, - Here we go again - North Yorkshire police want more money! (D&S letters, Jan 3).

Michael Heseltine, Carl Les, Jean Ryan and David Carter state that the police authority would like an extra £6.5m (inflation and spending pressures) and £5m for the cost of a Police and Criminal Justice system reform programme. Could we have an exact interpretation of this? Inflation is about 2pc and this asks for about 7pc!

The old threat of cutting the police service unless we pay more is wearing thin. The threat is pay substantially more to make matters worse - and this from Conservatives.

The tragedy is all the targets, league tables, micro managed initiatives seem to do is expose a gap between rhetoric and reality.

Fear of burglary, anti-social behaviour, car theft, police stations opening Monday-Friday office hours, some closing completely will still be with us a year from now.

Questions need answering: Why, in a recent survey, was North Yorkshire police put third in the country for officers retiring early on medical pensions, yes a third above Manchester, Liverpool, Leicester; what is the problem here and its cost? What does our MP William Hague think of this, and the threat of more taxes?

R GREEN

Church Lane,

South Stainley