Sir, - Mr Robert Adamson, (D&S letters, Aug 30), reminds us of the risk of an American attack on Iraq, possibly with the devastating weapons of destruction employed in Afghanistan. Last September, our Prime Minster placed us "shoulder to shoulder" with President Bush and the American people after the terrible loss of life in New York, and has, I believe, lived up to that promise.

But we have not been given any evidence of Iraqi involvement in the events of September 11th, and Iraq has made some efforts to hold talks with the UN about allowing arms inspectors in, albeit with conditions.

Since it has now been freely admitted that some Unscom inspectors were also used by America as spies this does not seem an unreasonable request - surely they should come from more neutral sources?

Unfortunately, Mr Blair has so far avoided answering questions on our current policy. Can we hope he will remind President Bush and Mr Rumsfeld of Winston Churchill's dictum about "Jaw, Jaw, Jaw" being better than "War, War, War" and encourage the voices of reason in the USA?

Surely the more urgent world problem to tackle is Israel's continued illegal occupation and increasing settlements in Palestine, and her failure over many years to comply with UN resolutions.

Dr EVA TREGILLUS

Mill Hill Top,

Reeth.

Sir, - The events of one year ago in New York has had a great deal of coverage and our sympathy should go to the relatives of all those innocent people.

But we should not forget that within months the Americans had killed significantly more innocent people in Afghanistan. Prior to 9/11 the USA was using its military might in several poor and weak regions of the world. Many believe you reap the seeds you sow.

The double standards of American foreign policy causes outrage in some quarters as its turn a blind eye to Israel bombing Palestinian children and refuses to comply with United Nations resolutions.

Let's hope that our representatives are strong enough to support the UN and not be set up as stool pigeons by George Bush to take the anger of the Muslim community as the Americans seek to grab control of Iraqi oil fields.

ALEC FEATHERSTONE

Outgang Road,

Pickering.

Fill the gap

Sir. - I was very pleased to read that Thirsk is to get £1m of aid to improve the town (D&S, Aug 23). I do hope some of that can be used to persuade a men's outfitter to come to the town, as at present I cannot buy even a pair of underpants there, let alone jeans or anything else pertaining to men.

I have to go to Northallerton, Ripon, Easingwold, or York to buy what I want, and when in these towns, often buy other items to Thirsk's detriment.

Also, I suppose there is no hope of getting rid of those dreadful cobbles which turn and twist the ankles every whichway, and Yorkshire stone slabs with their thousands of little ledges waiting to trip the unwary, especially the old and/or infirm.

My wife and I dread having to shop in Thirsk because of them. I have had two nasty falls there, but I think I am correct in saying that unless the ledge which trips you is an inch or more, the council will not consider compensation.

JOHN F WALTER

Long Street,

Topcliffe.

Many thanks

Sir, - Disability Action In Richmondshire (DAIR) would like to thank Coun Tom Burrows for the hard work and commitment he showed in his year in office as Mayor of Richmond.

DAIR was one of his chosen charities and benefited to the sum of £1,108, which will help enable us to continue raising the profile of disability in Richmondshire as well as producing our newsletters.

Andy Kirkham

Treasurer, DAIR

The Cottage,

Scotton.

Sir, - The Teesdale cancer research committee would like to thank Barford Raceway for holding the Stuart Downes memorial stock car meeting and raising £950 for Cancer Research UK funds.

At a coffee morning organised by Linda Clennell of Marwood £300 was raised, and at the wine bar in Barnard Castle an Elvis evening raised £225.

PAM ASHMORE

Sherwood Close,

Barnard Castle.

Sir,- May I express my gratitude to all those in the Sedgefield area who contributed to a recent house-to-house collection for the National Kidney Research Fund.

The total raised - £1460.68 - will be used for research into renal disease, kidney patient care and welfare, including the provision of renal equipment, promotion of the organ donor card, and raising public awareness of the extent of kidney-related disease.

Maureen Harbour

Kidney Research Fund Promoter