Sir, - I write concerning your excellent report "Leading botanist slates council over forest incinerators" (D&S, Apr 12).

As the lady spokeswoman strongly refuted my claim that the decision had gone through on the nod, saying that, "he was not at the meeting and was therefore putting his own interpretation on what happened", in effect calling me a liar, I would like to record the fact that before making that statement I took good council from several people who were present.

I also take it that the proceedings of that meeting were duly minuted and that she can prove her case. If there are no minutes of their detailed discussions, I trust that you will ask her why and add the following questions:

* Why the decision breaches many of their committee's own planning rules?

* What explanation do they have for opening up the borders of County Durham, let alone the winding country lanes around Hamsterley, to a continuous stream of toxic waste from other counties as far away as Norfolk.

I look forward to reading her explanation in your next edition

Dr DAVID BELLAMY

Hamsterley,

County Durham.

* Editor's Note: Durham County Council reiterated its stance reported on April 12, saying: "The committee came to its decision based on seeing the site, having the reports of officers, taking advice from the Environment Agency and listening to objectors."

Sporting chance

Sir, - Further to my letter (D&S, April 12), I would like to make the following further points.

The chairman of the working group discussing the Catterick Garrison Sports Complex does not consider it necessary for any elected member of Richmondshire District Council to be present on the working group. RDC should bear this in mind before it presents £450,000 to the army without having any say in the public use of the army sports complex.

The district council states the empty station building, which used to be a most useful store, must be used for leisure purposes. It owns the building and adjacent land. This is a great opportunity for the council to convert it into a large community centre which could be used as cinema and sports hall, supervised by Richmond Leisure Centre staff. There is room for two tennis courts on adjacent land which the council owns.

This would provide Richmond with all-day sports and leisure facilities along with the swimming pool for all children, adults and visitors to enjoy.

The money RDC received for the sale of the playing field would go a long way to providing the above facilities, without handing over money for the army sports complex without having any control over its use by the public.

R HUDSON

The Ghyll,

Richmond.

Great idea

Sir, - In your report "Making the most of historic milestones" (Weekend Times, D&S, April 12), it appears David Whitlock has taken it upon himself to restore the county's historic milestones. What a wonderful idea.

I have thought for a long time that it is a pity they have been neglected. North Yorkshire County Council seems to have no sense of the importance of these unique monuments to our past and if it wasn't for Mr Whitlock they would still be neglected.

The idea of "adopting a milestone" either by individual councils, the National Park or even local businesses (Thirsk council already paints some of those in its immediate area and the National Park has expressed its interest) could support Mr Whitlock in his laudable aim.

J WOOD

Quarry Moor Lane,

Ripon.

Drive our buggy

Sir, - I refer to your report "It's thirsty work" (D&S, April 19), which you kindly published regarding Thirsk-in-Bloom's adapted golf buggy.

Can I clarify one aspect of the report with regard to tax and the need for drivers of the vehicle to have a driving licence.

Because of its new purpose, the buggy is now classed as an agricultural vehicle and therefore does not need road tax, but anyone who is good enough to volunteer to drive it must have a full driving licence.

Apart from the buggy doing its essential watering, the Thirsk-in-Bloom helpers are eager for it to be seen at local events; the parade at Thirsk Festival and on the Flatts afterwards, and at the "fun in your garden" night at Thirsk town hall on the evening of May 1, for starters.

SUE DODDS

Lavendar House,

Kirkgate,

Thirsk