Letters: At least give us the chance to bid

Whereas Coun Adamson and Hubbard clearly want local firms to at least be offered the work, Coun Marshall doesn't seem bothered if no local firm was asked to tender at all. Who, Coun Marshall, pays local rates and supports local charities? Local people and local business of course, and don't forget that when it comes to election time!

Some years ago, when the swimming pool in Thirsk was being commissioned, I telephoned the baths to see if we could help with the supply of floating heat retention covers.

Power Plastics have been making these covers for over 30 years and are one of four companies in the country that specialise in fitting covers for municipal pools etc. Needless to say we weren't even asked to submit a price.

Business is never easy and with nearly 50 local people employed at Power Plastics, we value every opportunity we are given.

Please councillors, do give firms like ours and Kendalls the builders, at last the courtesy of an invitation to put forward our offers, even if we are not successful. You are quick enough to grab our rates each year!

DAVID PRICE

Director,

Power Plastics Limited.

Station Road,

Thirsk.

Residents mugged

Sir, - With reference to your report (D&S, April 27) covering Thirsk Town Council's meeting and discussion dealing with the building of the town hall annexe, it is certainly true, as Coun Adamson points out, that closed tenders lend themselves to being rigged.

It is equally true that the residents of Thirsk and Sowerby were mugged into footing the bill for this dubious project, although few of them have ever used, or are likely to use, the town hall with its annexe for any purpose whatsoever.

OLLY ANDRLA

South Terrace,

Sowerby,

Thirsk.

Flow blocked

Sir, - I refer to Alison Lewis' report (D&S, April 20), expressing the concern of Thirsk residents at the risk of flooding in the Finkle Street area and properties adjacent to Cod beck.

Passing through Thirsk recently we decided to stretch our legs, and see the new development near Cod beck.

After passing a number of unoccupied properties in Finkle Street, we took the path to St James' Green and were surprised to see that four months after the flood the flow beneath Finkle Street bridge is badly obstructed with water only flowing through one arch.

If residents were to see this their concern would be more than justified.

H H DYSON

Helmsley Way,

Romanby,

Northallerton.

Year of the stalwart

Sir, - I would like to thank the D&S for mentioning the International Year of Volunteers (IYV2001), and the vital contribution volunteers make to organisations in Northallerton and Bedale ("Ribbons for Volunteers", April 13).

The International Year is proving a wonderful opportunity for 123 governments from around the world to celebrate the contribution that volunteers make, and to encourage others to take part.

If any D&S readers would like to know more about the International Year of Volunteers and how to get involved, they can call the IYV2001 team on 020 7401 5430 or check out the website at www.iyv2001england.org.uk.

Ruth Johnson

IYV2001 co-ordinator,

York Road,

London.

Snowy memories

Sir, - My mother died in 1975, but my favourite memory of her is that every time it snowed (which seemed to be considerably and often in those days) she would stand at the window watching the snowflakes falling, saying the following:

"And gently as mercy out of heaven came down the healing snow".

These words come to me even now, especially with the snow we have had this year.

I wondered if any readers know where they originate - or did she just make them up?

Mrs Faith Rollo

Vane Road,

Newton Aycliffe.