Sir, - Over recent weeks your readers may have noted a protracted discussion in your letter pages about recycling in Richmondshire. This ding-dong battle between the chairman of the Richmondshire District Council environment committee and myself, culminated in a string of denials by the chairman of my interpretation of the amount set aside by Richmondshire for recycling. It reminded me of that old quotation: "Methinks he doth protest too much!"

So, in a spirit of reconciliation, may I focus on the facts that the chairman cannot dispute:

* The people of Richmondshire were only given the facilities to recycle (at best) 6.9pc of household waste in 2001-2, compared to over 18pc in the London boroughs and much higher levels in many European countries.

* The Government has insisted that Richmondshire try to achieve at least the 18pc level by 2004-5 (not 2005-6 as Coun Fryer claims) and has given the council some money to persuade them to at least try (if Coun Fryer does not believe this, then I suggest he looks at his own council's web site).

Coun Jim Fryer has been a councillor for many years, so why are these new initiatives only happening now? Could it be that, contrary to his vehement protestations, it takes outside pressure to shake his environment committee and the council out of their complacent lethargy?

Will he resign if the council does not meet the target imposed upon them or if any of his purported facts turn out not to be the whole story? I think we should be told.

LESLIE ROWE

Brompton on Swale Liberal Democrats,

Richmond Road,

Brompton on Swale.

Bus hopes

Sir, - This branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England strongly supports the sharp improvements in bus standards and services promised in the new county council contract granted to Proctor's Coaches (D&S, Sept 20). We hope more motorists will see these standards as worth trying as an alternative form of travel at times - especially for fixed regular journeys.

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England is continually pressing for more integrated transport, and as a start in this context, welcomes the lockable cycle racks at Northallerton railway station. Also we hope that Proctor's bus timetables for service no 155/57 Hawes to Northallerton will be prominently displayed at the station; and the bus company will endeavour to match train arrivals and departures with more of their services.

Frequently, it is simple to take the outward bus/train journeys up to midday, but much more difficult when returning in the evenings. Perhaps the bus company could highlight two or three key connection buses for evening travel.

When this improved service begins operation, the CPRE, its members and we hope, the general travelling public will seek every opportunity to support it.

J G MACKLEY

Secretary, CPRE Wensleydale branch

Hunton Mill,

Bedale..