Sir, - Official figures published by the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions prove that council tax is lower under Conservative controlled councils.

The average household pays £88 a year more on a band D council tax bill in a Labour council and £63 a year more in a Lib Dem council compared to a Conservative-run council.

After four years of this government, council tax in shire counties has soared by an average of £234 on a band D property. Council tax nationally has soared because of the government's refusal to adequately fund council services. This is the ultimate stealth tax hike - local residents foot the bill, and local councillors take the blame.

Despite Labour's incompetence. Conservative-run North Yorkshire County Council remains one of the lowest charging shire counties

DAVID ASHTON

Leader, Conservative group, North Yorkshire County Council

County Hall,

Northallerton.

Cross mystery

Sir, - I have been doing some research on the North York Moors concerning various memorial stones which are scattered across the park. Last year while walking the moors I stumbled upon one such stone which has some ornate lettering carved upon it with the initials "T C'.

This stone is located along a track heading south from Swainby shooting hut. I would be most grateful for any information which can shed some light on this find.

T S BURNS

17 Ripon Road,

Nunthorpe,

Middlesbrough.

Lost Mary

Sir, - I wonder if any readers will be able to help me? I am searching for information about Mary Lawson (born 1930) who lived in the Northallerton area in the 1940s attending Wensley House School on South Parade and who left to work in a boarding house in Scarborough.

I believe her father was a farmer in the area and she may have had at least one sister.

I would be most grateful for any information or recollections about Mary, no matter how small and would welcome letters or telephone calls on 01422 845596

Mr S BROWN

29 Nutclough,

Hebden Bridge,

HX7 8HA.