Sir, - I have had cause in recent years to travel to most countries in Europe. As a regular commuting cyclist, I never cease to envy the public provision made by our continental neighbours for this form of transport. Even in rural areas, where there is a good-sized footpath or road space, provision is made to separate cyclists from motor vehicles. Secure hitching rails are conveniently available where most likely required for locking ones' bicycle up. Where such infrastructure exists, it is clear that considerable use is made of it. The reduced traffic congestion, and reduction in fumes and noise, benefit both motor traffic and the environment.

To illustrate the point, on a recent visit to Esbjerg in Denmark, on querying my host as to why there where seemingly hundreds of bicycles locked up outside the railway station, even late in the evening, I was told that these were left there by train commuters to use in town when they arrived in the morning.

I would contrast this with the attitudes of your correspondent Mr Leffey (D&S, Nov 24), whilst bemoaning the expenditure, is all too aware of the dangers of cyclists using the roads. Mr Leffey will see that usage of cycle ways will increase. But for more people to use cycleways, the network needs to be more extensive, not less so as he would imply.

Mr Leffey might consider the reduced wear and tear on the road, the substantial reduction in need for expensive municipal parking spaces, the reduced time wasted in traffic queues for other road users and the reduction in greenhouse gases, to which every cycle journey contributes. Since also as an occasional motorist paying for the motor vehicle infrastructure, which when I am cycling I am not using, why should I have to pay again?

I would suggest perhaps that a levy on motorists, (lets say £25 per annum) payable to regular cyclists might be a less "daft" idea.

PAUL W SHELTON

The Waltons,

Little Ayton Lane,

Great Ayton.

Early days

Sir, - I refer to a letter "Tastefully restored" (D&S, Nov 17).

I agree with Susan Parkes and David Firth that it is a good thing that the Holiday Property Bond's conversion of the derelict Lodge Yard site in the centre of Askrigg is visually so attractive and that it can absorb its own car parking. The scheme provides employment for several people as housekeeping and gardening staff. The bond holders spend money in the village.

But it is too early to know if the reservations about the long-term value of such a large development have been proved wrong. Village communities develop over centuries, like the buildings. They are a delicate balance: in effect residents accept a lower income level in return for a stable, supportive lifestyle which is relatively unchallenged by urban competition.

We do not yet know whether the introduction of a rapidly changing population of much wealthier people with no commitment to the life of the village will unbalance what is and has been a community to be proud of.

Perhaps a detached anthropologist from Mars will be able to assess in 50 years time the true impact on our village of this insertion of a shifting population of 3,000 people a year into a village of 800 permanent inhabitants.

ANGELA LeGRICE

Elm House Barn,

Askrigg.

False accusations

Sir, - To protect children from assault or abuse at school must always be a first priority. However the incidence of false accusation against teachers is increasing at an alarming rate with one case in particular still featuring in the national media.

When an accusation is made the teacher is invariably considered guilty until proven innocent. Even when the accusation is proven to be false the career and life of the teacher concerned is usually destroyed. Teachers and their trade unions have told me this issue is affecting morale and is one of the factors in a shortfall in recruitment.

It is important that teachers can work in our schools without worrying about this threat at a time when sadly the level of disruption from some pupils is on the increase.

I have therefore asked Darlington Borough Council to review its procedures to safeguard our teachers from the consequences of false accusation at the same time as ensuring that school children receive the protection they rightly deserve.

Coun TONY RICHMOND

Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Darlington,

Darlington Conservative

Association,

Larchfield Street,

Darlington.