Sir, - In your report about the traffic problems in the Quarry Road area of Richmond (D&S, Oct 4), reference was made to a survey of residents made by Coun John Harris on behalf of the Liberal Party.

This survey was the last of three, the first two having been conducted by North Yorkshire County Council and Quarry Road Residents' Association.

We believe Coun Harris' survey was flawed as its database of residents was different to that of the other surveys. The Residents' Association survey revealed that a clear majority of the residents in Quarry Road, Maple Road and the adjoining streets, and those residents in Hurgill Road adjacent to the Quarry Junction, support point closure of Quarry Road at the junction with Green Howards Road.

The survey conducted by North Yorkshire County Council also revealed that a majority of residents in this area supported point closure.

Coun Harris allegedly is keen to resolve the Quarry Road problem, and has stated that he has been working on this matter for the last seven years. Whilst this may be the case, he must have been very selective in who he has approached for he does not appear to have taken the trouble to consult any those of most affected by the illegal misuse of Quarry Road, i.e. those who live in Quarry Road, or Hurgill Road and adjacent to the Quarry Junction.

Perhaps he does not value our views in case they do not coincide with his aims?

Another important matter is the absence of any reference to the recommendations of North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire County Council. Both unequivocally recommend point closure of Quarry Road as the only means to enforce the "No Access" traffic restriction on Quarry and Maple Roads.

Those "law breaking" drivers who ignore the restriction on Quarry Road save an average distance of approximately 0.6 miles in their journey, i.e. approximately 1060 yards. How can these drivers, our local councillors, or any right-minded person ignore the advice of local government experts and the pleas of residents of Quarry Road to save a journey of 1060 yards?

It would appear that only a fatality will bring home to the district and town councils the seriousness of the situation.

Quarry Road Residents'

Association

Hurgill Road,

Richmond.

Brutal intervention

Sir, - The divide between the treatment metered out to the urban and rural residents of Darlington borough was highlighted at a council meeting last week.

A motion seeking to restore grant support to village halls (withdrawn in this year's budget) was supported by councillors Burtt (Hurworth), Lee (Heighington), Maybrey (Middleton St George), Cooper (Sadberge) plus urban councillors Stenson and Lewis and Lib Dem councillor Mrs Walker.

A reasoned and moderate debate was tarnished by the brutal intervention of Coun John Williams, leader of the council, who inter alia accused rural residents of lack of commitment and Coun Burtt of electioneering.

The people of the villages are deeply committed to their environments as well as to supporting the borough at large in its various endeavours. Coun Burtt will worry about elections closer to next spring.

Inevitably, the Labour group after Coun Williams' unworthy remarks voted slavishly and unanimously against the village halls, several of which are in immediate peril and all of which are at longer term risk.

Coun ROD BURTT

Hurworth.