Sir, - Both Cynthia Wilcox and Geoff Brignall in letters to you asked the question "Does anyone care?" They were referring to the general state of Richmond (pavements, cobbles, seats, litter bins etc).

My answer has to be yes. The "state" of Richmond has a lot to do with local authorities not fulfilling their statutory responsibilities and being unable or unwilling to perform.

It has taken 18 months, and repeated requests, for North Yorkshire County Council to attempt to kill the weeds growing out of our pavements. They have failed dismally and things are now worse than before.

The state of the cobblestones and pavements in the Market Place, Newbiggin and Bargate, leaves much to be desired but the county council has promised £100,000 towards the cost of restoring the pavements and cobblestones in the Market Place this year - this sum is probably less than a third of that required but of course we must be grateful.

There have been complaints about litter, dog waste, the public seats and benches.

How many of us are tired of seeing holes in the roads with traffic lights standing guard and the sign "Road Works"? The roads most definitely don't work - nor, visibly, do those who are presumably employed to carry out repairs!

On Monday, September 16, at 7pm Richmond Town Council is holding a public meeting in the town hall to discuss "Richmond Pride". Over the past months there has been growing support for positive action to tackle the problems facing the town.

The meeting is being held to identify areas of concern and to discuss ways and means of ensuring that the necessary actions are taken. A lobby group will be much more effective than individuals.

The meeting will also discuss developing a positive programme to celebrate the best of Richmond. An "Investors in Richmond" scheme designating businesses, schools, community groups and individuals has been suggested.

So please, if you care about Richmond, come to the town hall on Monday, September 16 and support positive action. We would like ideas, suggestions and offers of help to ensure that Richmond is heard.

STUART PARSONS

Mayor of Richmond

Defying logic

Sir, - Alan Benn comments (D&S, letters Aug 30) concerning the Government, which he says has performed better than any Conservative Government in history, just defies logic.

This Government has constantly made promises to improve the NHS, transport, schools and reduce crime. In all these areas its record in just over five years of government has been down hill all the way.

NHS. - In spite of putting in billions of extra money, waiting lists grow longer and doctors find themselves working harder and harder to keep up.

Transport. - The air traffic control system we are now told is the worst in the world. London traffic has been reduced to an average speed which is slower than walking. English roads are rapidly approaching grid-lock. This is in spite of John Prescott's promises that in five years he would reduce car use. Buses and trains are late, expensive and dirty.

Crime. - All crime is up and if anyone tries to defend themselves, their family or their property they are charged and the criminal is allowed Legal Aid to sue his victim.

Schools. - We see them not able to open for the coming term because of the vast backlog in staff vetting by the Criminal Records Bureau. This is entirely due to government ineptitude.

As well as this, the Government presided over the passport fiasco and also the terrible FMD outbreak last year.

This is only the tip of an iceberg.

J D TROTTER

East Layton Hall,

Richmond.

Pick it up

Sir, - The clerk to Marwood parish council wrote to me recently asking what could be done about dog fouling on public paths in the countryside.

He said that concerns had been expressed at a council meeting by a number of people using paths in the Kinninvie area. There is also a noticeable problem on some paths in Middleton in Teesdale.

Where owners are exercising their dogs on public paths on a daily basis, as others take them along pavements, the result can be just as unpleasant, and the remedy is exactly the same: take the poop-scoop and plastic bag!

Owners should be aware that allowing a dog to foul a footpath or public open space might contravene local bylaws or the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.

JO BIRD

Membership Secretary

Ramblers' Association North Yorks & South Durham Area,

Stainton,

Barnard Castle.

Scrap Cleveland

Sir, - The poor performance figures for Cleveland Police revealed in the press recently make it clear - something must be done.

During the General Election of 2001, I suggested Cleveland Police should be abolished. The police officers in Hartlepool and Stockton should come under Durham Police's control and Middlesbrough, Redcar, Thornaby and Yarm should become part of the North Yorkshire force.

Police headquarters at Ladgate Lane could be closed altogether. Alternatively, North Yorkshire's existing headquarters at Newby Wiske, Northallerton, could be abolished. Whichever headquarters was closed, the resources from there could be used to increase the number of police available for street duties. A whole tier of senior officers would disappear.

The Cleveland force was very demoralised after the Lancet enquiry. Much of the bad feeling would be swept away if Cleveland Police was abolished. Officers could be usefully re-deployed everywhere from Harrogate to Durham and experienced replacements brought in from outside.

Home Secretary, it is time to act.

NIGEL BODDY

Cleveland Avenue,

Darlington.

Vendetta

Sir, - I refer to John Carter' letter (D&S letters, Aug 30).

How right he is. I did speak at Richmondshire District Council in April about the team building exercise. I did not agree with that.

But that was just my opinion and I've moved on. Then I see a group of people trying their utmost to bring a good man down by conducting a vendetta, witch-hunt, persecution, call it what you like, against the district council's chief executive, baying like a pack of animals for him to be sacked.

So much for the Richmondshire Taxpayers' Association "negotiation not confrontation" - its words, not mine. Don't try to redeem yourselves at my expense. It just won't work.

ANNE FRENCH

Copper Beech Way.

Colburn.

Recycling

Sir, - I would like to respond to the letter from Leslie Rowe (D&S Aug 30) regarding recycling in Richmondshire, which is factually incorrect.

Richmondshire District Council has been involved with recycling initiatives for many years and in 2001-2002 achieved a recycling rate of 6.9pc for domestic refuse, which is comparable with many district councils around the country. This rate has been achieved without additional government funding, which has not been forthcoming.

In February 2002 the council approved an increase in the recycling budget for 2003-2004 of £70,000 which is an increase of over 350pc on the previous year.

There are 19 recycling sites around the district most of which are community based, at screened sites recommended by parish councils. These sites offer recycling facilities for a range of materials including paper, glass, cans, textiles and books.

As recently as July 30, 2002, the council approved a scheme for the kerbside collection of paper which is due to commence on October 1 and will serve approx 12,000 (60pc) households across the district.

This scheme alone, will have a significant impact on the council's recycling rate.

A recent bid to Defra for external funding was successful and as a result the council is currently advertising a new post which will help to develop further recycling initiatives.

Current initiatives which have resulted from partnership working include the Schools Waste Action Club, the recent appointment of a waste minimisation officer to develop joint promotional activities across the county and a schools mini-bank scheme in which 15 Richmondshire schools have been invited to take part.

Coun J FRYER

Chairman of Environment Committee,

Richmondshire District Council

Swale House,

Richmond