Sir, - Although I live in London, my parents live in Brompton-on-Swale and I read with interest an article in the Darlington & Stockton Times a week or so ago regarding the concerns of local publicans about the proposed J D Wetherspoon development in the former Post Office in Richmond.

We have several Wetherspoons pubs in my area of London and might I say that this development, as well as providing much needed new jobs in the area, will considerably increase consumer choice and offer more value for money than is currently the case? Richmond pubs, sadly, do not in the main appear to stock real ales, whereas Wetherspoons tend to offer a choice of regional real ales, thus providing new outlets for local micro- and other breweries. As far as disorder is concerned, I have not witnessed increasing disorder in Wetherspoons outlets.

Indeed, they tend to be havens of tranquillity, with no children, no pool tables, no dart boards and, more importantly, no loud music. They also offer competitively priced food.

The Wetherspoons concept is a successful concept. Competition always improves standards. Richmond publicans should welcome the challenge.

SUSAN SYKES

Sandhurst Road,

Catford,

London.

A poor deal

Sir, - Hambleton is one of the richest districts in the country. The rates are one of the lowest. It is a safe place to live. If you are old or disabled and living on a pension you sometimes feel that perhaps the rates are so low because you are not given the amenities that the old and the disabled expect in other areas of the country.

An example of this is public transport. Hambleton spending on transport is much lower than other councils and a county town without a bus shelter let alone a bus station perhaps reflects the council's feelings on the subject. It can be pretty tough to get around if you do not own a car.

Until June 2001 the words "old enough for a bus pass" meant nothing as Hambleton Council has always refused to issue bus passes. From June 2001 the council has been forced to bring a scheme in by government legislation.

However it has decided to cut funding to community minibus schemes. These provide valuable assistance to people in isolated areas enabling them to get around Hambleton.

The future of the community minibus schemes are in doubt. Hambleton Council is saying to the old and disabled, "do not live in isolated areas, use your car as long as you can".

In other areas such as Richmondshire, York and Harrogate a token scheme is offered as an alternative to a bus pass. The schemes work well in rural areas and give some assistance for those who cannot use the bus.

Hambleton council will not consider it. Perhaps all the councillors drive cars. Perhaps they should try to get to the new doctors' surgeries in Northallerton without a car when they feel ill. They may change their minds.

BETTY TIBBERT

Northallerto