Sir, - At a time when Guisborough Town Pride with the backing of the Town Council is doing so much to improve the appearance of the town, it was distressing to view the wholesale destruction wrought in the little park adjoining Stump Cross.

Instead of just the usual broken glass, empty beer cans and other litter, all the young trees along the side of the footpath had been broken over and all but one completely destroyed.

When your reporter and photographer arrived the parks department had already done their usual efficient yet heartbreaking job of restoring order today.

Surely as those who pay the second highest council tax in the land Guisborians deserve better than this?

When we had police who did the job they were paid to do instead of spending their time investigating each others doings, and misdoings, and with magistrates to back them, the perpetrators of these outrages would not have got away with their challenge to law and order. They are only a small minority of the younger generation but they continue to cock a snook at authority.

Had I been walking through the park last night instead of this morning I have no doubt I would now be in jail instead of sitting at home writing this letter.

BOB HOGGARTH

Westgate

Guisborough.

A great day

Sir, - May I thank the members of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service stationed at Richmond who attended Scorton on the afternoon of Sunday, August 20, as part of the day's events at the start to Scorton feast.

This team of men and the two fire appliances which they brought made dreams come true, and brought untold pleasure to many of the children there, as they were allowed to sit in the front of the engines and press various buttons etc. Each group was supervised, but they were not hurried and nothing was too much trouble.

Not only were the children entertained but adults too, if they were sufficiently interested to watch the demonstrations, and the information the officers gave relating to each piece of equipment and its purpose.

Their attendance at the event was very interesting and informative.

ANTHEA E RAWLING

North Side,

Scorton.

Welcome news

Sir, - The partial lifting of the pig export ban is welcome news in an industry suffering terribly from a number of factors over many years.

Nick Brown has demonstrated how decisive action and constructive engagement within the EU pays dividends. The Labour government's signals regarding compensation for those farmers affected is also a practical step in the right direction.

Helping a sector that is going through a very difficult period has got to be better than withdrawing subsidies and leaving farmers at the door of an unfettered free market which is the Conservative Party's approach to farming policy.

Nick Brown has batted for the UK farming community, won over European partners and shown that dealing practically to solve problems brings results.

CHRIS JUKES

Spokesman

Vale of York Labour Party

Chester le Street