Sir, - Catterick is the third largest settlement in Richmondshire, and the news that 70 jobs are to be created in the new Army Museum North is very welcome, as most Catterick people have to go out of the village for work.

The question may arise whether Catterick is in Catterick Garrison or not, as the Marne Barracks site is remote from the main garrison activities. Direction signing is going to be very important for contractors and eventually the public.

It may be simplistic to say the capital expenditure of £30m to house 150 old army vehicles and other artefacts is not good value for money, but new army barrack developments on the same site have been put back to 2007 and there is still no hospital in the Garrison or Richmondshire, for both MoD and NHS needs.

Even the existing X-ray facility at the former Duchess of Kent Hospital is being shunned by local doctors.

More seriously, army medical training in gunshot and combat wounds is not now being undertaken in the United Kingdom, and Catterick is Europe's largest military training area. Normal thinking on health and safety would require specialist medical facilities to be immediately available.

Coun TONY PELTON

High Green,

Catterick.

Insurance queries

Sir, - I am writing on behalf of the Stokesley Pride-in-our-Town Association that has, since 1991, been keeping Stokesley colourful with flowers, as well as doing the odd bit of weeding, river-cleaning and such like.

Because we work in public areas like roads, traffic islands, footpaths and market squares, the highways department insists we carry public liability insurance to the value of £5m. In 1991, the value was set at £1m.

Last year, the £5m cover cost £354; this year it has gone up to £1,050. We dare not confront our tub donors and sponsors with such a large percentage increase (many are pensioners) so, where are we to get the money to keep the insurers in funds?

We are now asking ourselves, and our supporters, some searching questions - do we volunteers, without fee and in spare time, continue to benefit the town and townspeople or do we desist from working on highways and in public places? Or do we get the professional workers-on-roads to do our work for us for free?

Can anyone offer ideas - or an easier way of covering our liabilities?

WILF TURNBULL

Honorary Secretary SPIOTA,

Stokesley.

Untidy Thirsk

Sir, - I refer to your report about Thirsk town centre's toilets being "filthy, damaged and disgusting" according to councillors (D&S Apr 12).

I am not disputing that the toilets and the streets are a disgrace but I don't think Thirsk town councillors are helping the situation. I have witnessed a town councillor employee brushing rubbish into the street outside the Thirsk Town Council office.

I also think Coun Robinson wants to tidy outside his own shop before cleaning up the market place, as that is a disgrace too.

ANNA-MARIE WEBSTER

Norby,

Thirsk.