Sir, - I was both disappointed and surprised to read the comments attributed to Mike O'Carroll, chairman of Revolt, attacking the actions of North Yorkshire County Council (D&S, Feb 23).

Disappointed because the county council has met Mr O'Carroll on a number of occasions. As far as we are able to do so, we have met the requests made by Revolt on a number of issues relating to the erection of the power lines.

I am surprised because Mike O'Carroll is well aware that the county council (and Hambleton District Council) has consistently opposed these power lines since 1992, through two lengthy public inquiries. We have also sought to obtain the best we can for North Yorkshire following the consent given for the line by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 1998. Unlike Revolt the county council is constrained in what action it can take to oppose the line, once that consent had been issued, and cannot treat National Grid any differently from any other organisation or individual.

The county council was instrumental in having the line re-routed away from residential properties. At the request of Mike O'Carroll the county council established a group of members to consider the road works he now accuses the county council of trying to conceal.

Again at Mike O'Carroll's request we sought the views last summer, of all 31 parish councils affected by the overhead line on the proposed road works. The parish councils were advised where the road works would be; the haul routes to be used by the contractors constructing the line; where verge crossings were to be constructed to give access to the route of the line on private land and the measures required to be taken to protect public rights of way.

Having taken all these steps, I find it difficult to reconcile the reality of the situation with suggestions that the county council is "trying it on" or seeking to "conceal" work being carried out by National Grid.

We now have no choice but to work with National Grid to try to ensure there is the minimum disruption for residents both during construction and afterwards. That involves temporarily closing a small number of roads to enable them to be improved to accommodate the construction traffic. The view was taken that to carry out these works before construction took place rather than afterwards when the roads would have been damaged, was the best option for local residents. The works are being paid for by National Grid. The notices to which Mike O'Carroll refers relate to these works. There is nothing happening as regards these works which the parish councils and REVOLT were not aware of. Unfortunately, in the interests of public safety, some roads have to be temporarily closed. That is regrettable but unavoidable.

County Coun P G SOWRAY

Environmental services cabinet member

North Yorkshire County Council,

Lost allies

Sir, - I write with reference to the Upsall Lane closure notice that appeared in this edition of February 9. On first reading, it would appear that the lane is to be closed from the end of February until September 2 inclusive. This would of course result in untold chaos for both Upsall, Kirby Knowle and the surrounding area.

However, on making enquiries it now appears that a period of three weeks will be given to National Grid or its contractors in which to build certain lay-bys on the road to facilitate the construction of the line of pylons at a later date.

I am disappointed at the cursory manner in which the notices have been issued by the county council. While once they were considered to be our allies, it appears now that they are quite happy to facilitate both the construction and road widening and the resulting disruption in the flow of rural traffic.

If the line of pylons is to be built, at the very least it should be done with the minimum of disruption to members of the public whose day-to-day business will be affected and with the maximum amount of warning when a road closure becomes unavoidable.

I sincerely hope that in the future the council will be somewhat more sympathetic to the public feeling against this line. This will of course avoid any increase in bad feeling to the construction of the line of pylons which are neither necessary or welcomed by anybody in the parishes affected

H B JENYNS.

Woodend,

Upsall.

School reunion

Sir, - The annual reunion of Miss Penty's (now Mrs Rundle) class at Hurworth School will be held at The Dalesway, Scotch Corner, on July 7. Perhaps anybody reading this letter would pass the word on and contact Mrs Rundle on 01564 773830, Mrs Ann Allison on 01325 314295 or Mrs Doreen Turner on 01845 524844.

An early response would be much appreciated.

Mrs D TURNER

50 Dowber Way

Thirsk YO7 1EP.