Sir. - I was very sad to see in the D&S Times last Friday that S&A Trueman, the butchers, in Northallerton had closed.

In the last few years Northallerton has also lost a baker's shop, a green grocer, and a fishmonger.

Large superstores will continue to put specialist retailers out of business. We will be told about the many jobs which they create, but there will be no mention of the many more jobs that are lost when small family run shops close down.

Large superstores may be very efficient in their use of labour, but they can never provide the personal service that people expect to find in the high streets of our market towns.

Shoppers will not travel here to shop if they get the same impersonal service and plastic food that they can get at out-of-town shopping centres.

Our planners need to call a halt to further expansion of the superstores before our market towns resemble small towns in America, where specialist food stores are almost non-existent.

Miles Garnett

The Old Rectory,

South Otterington.

Slur on bikers

Sir, - We were very concerned at the article "Intimidating youths in Thirsk town centre". While we agree there is a definite problem on this issue, as reported, it was with some dismay that we read the thoughts of Coun Joe Salmon.

As geriatric motorcyclists of some years standing who have visited Helmsley for some 25 years as motorcyclists, it was disconcerting to think he would report that Helmsley as "full" of bikers when he is there and as more intimidating than the intimidating youths of Thirsk. We have witnessed and objected to some of the youths' behaviour in the town centre and feel this not only effects visitors but also the Thirsk community in general.

Coun Salmon may like to accept our invitation to ride pillion to Helmsley and experience a true camaraderie among motorcyclists of all ages and acquire knowledge first hand about a hobby which they love. It is sad that his draconian attitude is at the forefront on this issue and tarnishes the motorcyclists' reputation. Should we not question his viability as a councillor of the town who should be representing us all?

JOHN & MAVIS ELLIOTT

Clyde Cottage,

Borrowby,

Thirsk.

Town hall annex

Sir, - I feel I should respond to Mr Andria's incorrect comments, (Cavalier Attitude, D&S, October 6).

First, he should not make accusations about the town hall when he has not got his facts right. The new annex to Thirsk and Sowerby town hall will not require £180,000.00 from Thirsk and Sowerby parishes, but £130,000.00. This will be divided by the two councils.

To say the precept will be raised just to fund councillors' bar and coffee house is absolute rubbish. The wooden structure was built in 1939 by the Army with an estimated life of ten years. Its replacement is long overdue.

The town hall management committee has had plans drawn up which were agreed by the two councils and have to meet high standards of health and safety and fire regulations which increase the costs considerably.

Sowerby Parish Council has spent the ratepayers' money very carefully in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

This new building will be used by various organisations, not just Thirsk and Sowerby, but the surrounding community.

MARK ROBSON

Chairman, Sowerby Parish Council,

Thirsk

Grant too far?

Sir, - Reading your farming and business section, I was perturbed to see that a Mr and Mrs Bolam had been given the substantial sum of £22,000 in grants to refurbish a farm building to house a subsidiary business in a somewhat remote area.

I have some sympathy with the farming community, but one should not lose sight of the fact that they are still in receipt of substantial subsidies.

In nearby Bedale there are several empty and derelict-looking shops which spoil the aspect of this otherwise pleasant town. Surely this money could have been used to refurbish one of their shops and to give the Bolams a subsidy on rent/rates for a period of time, thus helping to regenerate a town centre, a cause your newspaper has taken up to praiseworthy effect.

I notice that some of the money is from the EU, but I would remind you that we are, as a nation, net contributors to the EU.

Therefore in effect all the monies have come from the pocket of the British taxpayer and I feel that they should be spread to give as wide a benefit as possible.

JOHN WARTON

Ivy Cottage,

Thirn,

Bedale.

Full disclosure

Sir, - I noted with interest the coverage in your columns of the North Yorkshire County Council intention of publishing details of councillors expenses claims. Expenses should be paid as the reimbursement of costs properly incurred in carrying out responsibilities and are a proper cost for council taxpayers.

I recall that when councillors voted some years ago to reduce the rate of reimbursement of mileage expenses to officers as a cost-saving measure to a rate below the nationally negotiated figures, they did not accept a corresponding reduction.

Perhaps when publishing the amounts claimed by councillors, the mileage rate can also be detailed so present staff can see that the claims of councillors are only for reimbursement of cost. After all, fuel and other running costs are the same for all.

ALAN BURNS

The Laurels,

Northallerton