Letters: Frustration shared

It is even more astounding that Coun Robson can publicly and personally criticise his fellow councillor, after the council was found seriously wanting by the ombudsman over the Brinkburn Road development.

This planning disaster is likely to cost the ratepayers of the borough countless thousands of pounds in compensation and other costs, and will be a total loss of money that could have been spent elsewhere, even towards refurbishing children's playgrounds and equipment that at the moment is another disaster area.

Coun Jones' frustrations and concerns are expressed and shared by many in the village. It is not simply the question of houses being built, it is the sheer lack of planning, balance and provision of services to match the needs of incoming new residents.

The present infrastructure is not capable of coping with the number of houses that have been allowed to mushroom. It is of particular concern that little regard is given to the pressure of school places and the need to meet the social needs of older children.

Amazingly, the situation will be further compounded in coming months when two further developments will add another hundred-plus houses to the village.

At the moment, many villagers are watching with dismay, the building of more houses on the Ropner Home site. This is not a "brownfield site," but a long-term conservation area. Concern was clearly expressed by the huge turnout of villagers at the site meeting, but, despite this the planning committee showed its contempt and allowed the application to succeed.

Now, we are again presented with a further development abutting the Ropner site, placing even more houses in this conservation area.

Coun Jones's concerns and vexed questions on the number of developments in the village are fully supported by the parish council and very many of the villagers. She is regarded as hard-working and committed to the welfare and well-being of the residents of the area she serves.

RON DAWSON

The Front,

Middleton-one-Row,

Darlington.

Sir, - Coun Frank Robson (D&S Dec 14) chooses to ignore the part of the best value inspection report which he obviously doesn't like.

Let me quote from the borough council's own press release: "areas that the inspectors felt could be improved included: involving parish councils in decision-making and communicating about local issues"

It is not a "nimby" attitude which drives me but the need for more consultation in line with the inspector's report, in particular more site visits from the planning committee, something which Coun Robson clearly dislikes, relying instead on photographs which may or may not do justice to a site.

Unlike Coun Robson, I live in my ward, I am also a member of the parish council and I am made well aware of the strength of feeling against the amount of development which has taken place without any consideration whatsoever to providing an improved infrastructure for the village.

I am also well aware of the situation with regard to "brownfield sites" and regularly quote this scenario when discussing planning applications.

However, the two most recent applications which were granted are both in a conservation area and went ahead despite strong objections from the parish council and members of the public.

Indeed, the last application was approved on the casting vote of Coun Robson.

It is correct that I was unable to attend the training session referred to owing to another commitment in my ward which I considered to be more beneficial to the people I represent.

Dare I suggest that Coun Robson organises a training session for himself on how best to serve the people of Darlington by listening to them?. Perhaps this could help to prevent a repeat of the recent maladministration charge against Darlington council, a situation which is likely to cost the people of Darlington many thousands of pounds.

Coun DORIS JONES

The Oaklands,

Middleton-One-Row,

Darlington.

Letter's a disgrace

Sir, - I write in reply to the spineless Nimby who distributed the unsigned propaganda objecting to the proposed skateboard park in Carrs field. In a town with few facilities for young people, such developments should be welcomed. What else has East Thirsk got apart from the community centre?

To describe most of the children as litter louts and some of them as scum is nothing short of disgraceful. Was this person never a child?

Without doubt there is a hooligan element in Thirsk, as there is in every similar town. Does this sad individual think rubbish such as this letter will help? If you don't have the courage to put your name to something you distribute then keep your narrow-minded and bigoted opinions to yourself.

D WILKINSON

Stammergate,

Thirsk .

Magic lights

Sir, - I have just conducted an in-depth consumer survey with my small eight-year-old son and would just like to say that he thinks that the lights in Richmond this year are "magical".

As he normally lives in the big city of Warrington this is an opinion of obvious value! The pumpkin in Friary Gardens has come in for especial praise. Well done to all concerned.

MICHAEL J SHARPE

Sleegill,

Richmond.