Sir, - This branch supports Mr C D Kirk's letter in last week's issue (D&S Jan 5) completely, having campaigned at length about the low standard of buildings and services in the main line station of our county town.

These were in very sharp contrast to the excellent standards of passenger train services achieved by GNER and Northern Spirit, who showed how fast, reliable travel could be achieved on this small island - until the Hatfield disaster.

As if to fulfil Mr Kirk's prediction of platform dangers, one of our members returning on the last London train just after Christmas, stepped out onto the icy platform, and immediately slipped. She smashed her laptop computer and was so badly shaken up as to need three days in hospital.

Now that definite progress is being made towards repairing the weak rail tracks, there is every incentive to improve standards and services at Northallerton station.

With both EC and Yorkshire Forward funding in 2001 strongly stressing the importance of market towns, the county council could bid for expanding and improving station buildings.

Northern Spirit should extend staff station services for the period trains are running and include salting and sanding of platform and walking surfaces in winter.

Railtrack should define when it intends to undertake the widening of the two tracks to four, which is fundamental to the expansion of fast traffic on this main line.

This branch will seek definite replies from these three authorities and companies - and inform your readers of the results.

J G MACKLEY

Hon Campaigns secretary, Council for the Protection of Rural England,

North Yorkshire branch.

4x4 delight

Sir, - My husband and I would like to say a big thank-you to the Yorkshire Dales National Park officers for opening up the green lane and bridleway from Thoralby to the top of Bishopdale to 4x4 vehicles last Sunday.

There must have been more than 50 4x4s at the rally on the moor above Thoralby and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves with little damage to the lane, even though the ground was wet.

After the rally we drove up to the top of the dale and enjoyed a wonderful view down the length of Bishopdale. We thought it well worth the few pounds we paid and we would be more than willing to pay to use other bridleways in the national park if they were opened up for use by 4x4 enthusiasts.

The money from this could perhaps be used to encourage other recreational activities in the National Park.

Carol Metcalfe

Hurgill Road,

Richmond.

Special dogs

Sir, - On behalf of all of us at the NCDL Darlington re-homing centre we would like to thank everyone who kindly sent us Christmas gifts and treats for the dogs to enjoy.

They were very gratefully received and it was because of these generous donations that we were able to make the festive season extra special for all the dogs in the centre.

Thanks again to all your readers for their continued support, and here's to a successful 2001.

CATHERINE GILLIE

Manager,

National Canine Defence League,

Sadberge,

Darlington