A FOOTPATH running along the River Wear from the Paradise area of Witton Park to Escomb was enjoyed by many local residents in years gone by.

Around 1972, a sand and gravel company started quarrying on land close to the river at Witton Park and changed the landscape in that area. This eventually led to the footpath being used less frequently. When the quarrying finished recently, the local fishing club, which took over the land changed the landscape further, erected fencing and barriers which have stopped locals from walking along the river.

The Ramblers' Association has advised that there are two ways of getting a public footpath reinstated. Firstly, by proving it existed on a definitive map or, if this is not possible, by recording proof that sufficient numbers of people over a period of time had indeed used the footpath.

This letter is a plea to all those who may have used this footpath in the past to come forward and get in touch and help stand up for your local community. - Christine Moody, on behalf of the Escomb/Witton Park Partnership, Escomb Farm, Escomb, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SW.

Spennymoor SHOPS

I WELCOME the fact that, after my request to the owners Retail Properties, Festival Walk shopping centre is to be painted midnight blue.

Spennymoor has many quality residential areas and is one of the best towns in the North-East. It has suffered many job losses in recent years and this hits the local economy and local shops.

I asked for the shop refurbishment programme for Spennymoor and welcome the first two shop fronts that have been completed. During recent years, the people of Spennymoor complained that the 1960s Festival Walk shops were outdated. They say Spennymoor needs large capital investment to enable shop-owners to compete with neighbouring towns. I am pleased that Spennymoor is about to be prioritised by One NorthEast for a substantial major shopping centre bid. Perhaps, after public consultation, this money can be used to extend the shopfront refurbishment schemes, improve the gateways to the shops and address the long term future of the Festival Walk shopping centre. - Councillor Ben Ord, Liberal Democrat, Spennymoor ward.

RISING OF THE NORTH

I WOULD like to congratulate the Echo and Chris Lloyd for the wonderful Echo Memories article about the fate of the local people who joined a rebellion against the much-vaunted Elizabeth I (Nov 20).

Her sister, Mary, acquired a "bloody" reputation for her treatment of Protestants when she became queen after the death at 15 of her younger brother, Edward VI.

As the article reveals, Elizabeth was equally cruel to those who wished to follow the Catholic faith.

In 1715, after the death of Queen Anne, James the Old Pretender made a futile attempt to regain the throne for the Stuarts, but he failed, as did his son in 1745.

Succession went to the House of Hanover, thereby enthroning George I and his successors to this day.

There is no doubt the so-called Glorious Revolution of 1688, which welcomed the House of Orange under William and Mary, saddled the UK with the problems in Ireland which have not been resolved.

The House of Hanover has not exactly covered itself with glory over the years and the casting off after the First World War of the German connection to give us the House of Windsor has also had doubtful benefits for our country.

The Charles, Diana and Camilla story still has some way to run. Why oh why, in this day and age, must we be saddled with royalty at all? - Hugh Pender, Darlington.