Sir, - It is nice to learn that Cleveland police have unearthed an "obscure law" which could be a means of dealing with the anti-social behaviour of young people ("Police look to old law to tackle young hooligans", D&S Aug 17).

It is, however, very remiss of them to have had this power at their disposal for so long without knowing how to use it. Even now they say that it will be used "reluctantly". Why? The public has been crying out for a very long time for such action to be taken. If this law has been on the statute books since the 1950s why on earth hasn't it been used before now ?

It is outrageous that the force can admit that it does not know what laws are available. Parliament spends a great deal of time and effort framing and passing legislation which it feels will benefit society. It is surely essential that all laws are constantly reviewed by the police . Is this an example of resources being used on internal witchhunts rather than on the proper task of policing the district?

ALAN ELLIOTT

Westgate,

Guisborough.

Great B&Bs

Sir, - I was dismayed to read Margaret Cave's article (D&S, Aug 10) and very surprised that you published such an unfair condemnation of bed and breakfast establishments, specially at a time when our countryside is so beleaguered.

My sister and I have stayed in B&Bs all over the country for a number of years and never found fault with any of them, quite the reverse. They have always been friendly and comfortable and have provided excellent fare at a very low cost.

Margaret Cave obviously had two unfortunate experiences, but I think she should have investigated further before writing such a derogatory article.

After careful reading of her article, I realised that she was apparently also including hotels, but the heading of the article only included B&Bs which was misleading.

I am sure you will agree that B&Bs are among the best institutions in our countryside and a real bonus to holiday makers.

Mrs JOAN SMITH

High Street,

Swainby,

Northallerton.

Editor's note: Margaret Cave's criticism was squarely aimed at one bed breakfast establishment, not all of them.

Clarke's the man

Sir, - T L Bucknall (D&S, Aug 3) is correct. Kenneth Clarke would make an excellent leader of the opposition. He would make mincemeat out of the lightweight Labour government, which has done so little for so many.

Iain Duncan-Smith on the other hand, would be a liability. He is another William Hague.

Although Mr Hague reformed the rules to give grassroots Conservatives the final say over who leads them, it is now clear that his reforms do not go far enough.

Michael Portillo was the favoured candidate by the majority of the shadow cabinet. Any ballot of party members which does not include Portillo's name will be a complete farce.

Tory members should be allowed to vote for any of the original candidates. Nothing else will do.

If another Hague-like figure - Mr Duncan-Smith - becomes the new leader it's safe to say the Tory party will be finished as a major force in Britain.

CHRISTOPHER BARKER

Barugh Farm,

Melmerby,

Ripon.

Wonderful PC

Sir, - With sincere gratitude to PC 1242 Chris Walker stationed at Bedale police office for all the help he gave me and my husband when unfortunately, as I am disabled, I could not get out of the bath, he was so friendly and understanding and very gentle when assisting my husband.

I think the people of Bedale should be very thankful for such a great police officer. We were on holiday at Carthorpe. Please could you mention also thanks to Christine at Bedale police station for all the help she gave as well (I did not get her surname). A friendly lady.

Mrs S E GREEN

57B Ramsey Road,

St Ives,

Huntingdon,

Cambs, PE27 3TD.

Sir, - I refer to your report "Troubled Key centre is confident" (D&S Times Aug 17).

I applaud Richmondshire District Council's continued positive and supportive approach in assisting the well being of the local communities such as Middleham. Middleham Key centre offers excellent accommodation for meetings, educational courses and events in the heart of Wensleydale. It is clearly much more than a village hall. It is available, and I am pleased to say increasingly used, as a key to opening so many opportunities to assist the mid-Dales to prosper and flourish.

Whilst manager of the centre, I met numerous visitors to Middleham who openly expressed their pleasurable surprise at finding such a facility in a rural town. They openly revered at the opportunities it provided to the many local communities. Many of those would have welcomed such a facility in or near their own towns and villages.

Now that Richmondshire District Council has reinforced its support of Middleham Key centre, perhaps others who may have doubted the centre's role and future, will turn their attention to promoting and supporting the centre to ensure its continued growth and development in the years to come. The long-term future of Middleham's modern and invaluable asset is in their hands.

BRIAN ELLIS

Cedar Lea,

Scruton,

Northallerton.