Sir, - I was saddened to hear of the report which criticised the efforts of Richmondshire District Council in relation to tourism, particularly since it appeared over-critical without being helpful (D&S, Nov 24).

One of the main points made was that the spending per tourist had gone down. With the best will in the world, I can't see how a council can be held responsible for that. Whether people spend in a particular area depends on the success of the enterprises who offer food, accommodation and shopping facilities.

It does help if shop windows are decorated professionally, litter is picked up regularly, flowers are displayed, and staff are helpful and well-informed.

The people who are in the front line of tourism are all very much respected and liked by the local community. They are doing an excellent job and have attracted business from non-tourists.

I personally have a very high regard for the professional management abilities of Ms Pam Whittaker. She knows what she is talking about and should be assisted, not hindered. Whilst one should take every report seriously, and examine all its criticisms thoroughly, it does not help to demoralise those who are not at fault.

BERNARD BORMAN

Brentwood,

Leyburn.

Laughable

Sir, - There is absolutely nothing innovative or laudable in the North Yorkshire Health Authority's proposals to press village halls and/or pubs into service as health clinics.

Those of us who lived through the depression and war years knew of no other type of health service than that in church halls or scout huts. Our pharmacy was the corner shop, walls and ceilings festooned with display cards of little bottles and packets of Tincture of Myrrh, sulphur tablets, camphorated oil, zinc ointment, cod liver and halibut oil, and a host of other linaments and lotions which could be selected and (if funds would allow) be purchased.

Since then we have fought to build a health service approaching something like clinical excellence housed in modern hospitals and clinics only to have it all frittered away by bureaucrats asking the public to accept a return to conditions which were the norm 50 years and more past.

RON ASHBRIDGE

Garden Village,

Richmond.

The right ride

Sir, - I agree with what Paul Shelton says about the provision of cycle paths in continental Europe (D&S letters, Dec 1).

Nearly 20 years ago I lived near Heidelberg, which even then had a good cycle path network. Last summer I returned for a visit, and was most impressed by what I found.

For example, my German friend cycles to work, and some 90pc of the ten km journey on traffic free cycle routes. The small section that is not traffic-free is on quiet back roads.

Unlike the practice in this country, cycle tracks do not end at difficult locations such as roundabouts where they are most needed. Again in stark contrast to this country, we found when cycling that cars regularly gave way to us, even when not required by a strict interpretation of right-of-way.

On a related topic, residential areas all have a 30 kph (20 mph) speed limit, and do not have to wait for an accident before this imposed - North Yorkshire take note.

JOHN HUNT

Riverslea,

Stokesley.