Letters to the Editor

Britain and Ireland are the only two out of 25 EU member states who have been unable to eradicate bovine TB by test and slaughter, although in Britain success was nearly achieved around 1980. Both countries have a widespread badger population which in many regions is a wildlife reservoir host. Only the proven efficacy of pasturisation protects humans from contracting TB by consuming affected milk and dairy products.

Several decades ago, three earlier English badger culls and one in Ireland all achieved a high rate of infected badger removal with a very marked reduction in cattle herd breakdowns, but these were discontinued due to public concerns about gassing. Since then, the Republic of Ireland has culled badgers in counties Cork, Donegal, Kilkenny and Monaghan from 1997 to 2002. An 80pc level of badger removal was achieved which resulted in 60-90pc reduction in cattle herd TB breakdowns. Annual TB testing of cattle was also maintained in Ireland whilst in Britain it was allowed to lapse as long as four-yearly intervals in many areas. In Britain also, cattle testing was completely halted during FMD 2001.

Farmers were then allowed to restock, but were merely given advice not to purchase from known TB hot-spot areas. The politically-biased and fatally- flawed Krebs inspired/Bourne executed trials recommenced but all they have proved is that an incompetently conducted trial results in the spread of cattle TB due to increased badger movement, the so-called pesturbation.

The Krebs/Bourne trials have been an enormous diversionary waste of public money and time, whereas properly conducted earlier trials in England and Ireland have had exactly the opposite result. Prof Bourne and colleagues have attempted to justify their work by relying very heavily on statistics which can be manipulated to prove or disprove almost anything at all.

Whilst cattle movements are significant, many of them are direct to slaughter, whilst others are necessary spring and autumn movements for grazing animals which need to be where grass is available. The present reality is that bovine TB is spiraling out of control and increasing at the rate of 18-20pc per annum.

Unfortunately, we do not yet have the technology (vaccines etc) to pursue other alternatives.

It is regrettable that a well-respected welfare charity such as the RSPCA has allowed itself to be seduced by the Badger Trust into focusing on a very narrow aspect of animal welfare whilst ignoring wider issues. Both organisations have seriously misquoted flawed pseudo-science in order to delude their supporters and the wider public.

NORMAN W LESLIE

Cambridge Avenue,

Marton in Cleveland.

Speedy talk

Sir, - While not all motorcyclists coming to the Dales are speeding, one only has to overhear their conversations to realise that for many of them, the Dales roads are a racetrack.

I live adjacent to where the majority of the bikers park in Hawes and have regularly heard many of them bragging about speeds reached on certain stretches of road, and even comments like "did you see when I nearly lost it on that corner?"

Of course, there are responsible riders, but hearing such comments makes one think that they are certainly in the minority.

B E PEACOCK

Fell View,

Market Place,

Hawes.

Peak practice

Sir, - We wish to sing the praises of the Central Dales GP practice in Aysgarth.

I wish to compliment all the doctors and staff for their dedication to their work and helpful manner at all times. One can go any day at morning surgery hours and see a doctor that same day.

This week, for instance, because I had forgotten a repeat prescription, a member of staff (Elizabeth by name) posted the prescription through our front door on her way home. Incredible service.

Praise also to the chiropodist, a Becky Kinchin, an absolute wonder. I could not walk due to ingrowing toenails, Miss Kinchin sorted that problem out.

The surgery is light and airy with comfortable seating, plenty of good magazines and a beautifully clean toilet.

The doctors listen to patients' woes about aches and illness, and prescribe the right course of action with no trouble at all.

I just wanted to get some light shining on these good folks for their great individual endeavours. No moaning or groaning about the NHS in this area from Mrs Powell and myself.

ELIZABETH and DAVID POWELL

Cornlee Guest House,

Aysgarth.

Eager but waiting

Sir, - The D&S Times was right to publicise home composting (D&S, June 30), but I would suggest that readers should not get too excited by anticipation if they try to obtain compost bins via the special scheme.

We ordered (and paid for) ours through the North Yorkshire County Council/Blackwall scheme some two months ago. We are still waiting, and, despite sending emails, Blackwall still cannot tell us when delivery will happen.

MERVYN WILMINGTON

Harmby,

Leyburn.

Christian Aid thanks

Sir, - On behalf of Christian Aid, I wish to thank everyone who helped to make our collections so successful this year.

A total of £4,572.51 has been sent to Christian Aid headquarters. This is made up of £2,764.38 from lower and mid-Wensleydale envelope week; £1,532.63 from Penhill benefice, Middleham and East Witton Lent lunches; £200 from Leyburn Gilbert and Sullivan concert and £75.50 from Songs of Praise at Thornton Rust. An extra £526 should be added through gift-aided contributions.

This is a most generous amount which will be put to much needed services in deprived parts of the world.

NOEL ASHWORTH

Hon Treasurer,

Redmire.

School farewell

Sir, - On July 4 the executive committee of North Yorkshire County Council met to decide on the granting of the extra funding needed to build a new primary school in Sutton under Whitestonecliffe.

As expected, the committee agreed with the officers' recommendation not to approve the funding.

Without this funding Sutton School cannot continue and will close, although a closure process will be followed.

The extra funding needed is a direct result of continuous planning delays, planning matters and highways requirements.

These were caused by a very small number of Sutton villagers, who by whatever means, have been actively against a new primary school being built. This small group included, hitherto, some prominent members of Sutton Parish.

The school has been served notice to quit the existing site by the chairman of Sutton Village Institute Committee, in early August and with effect from September this year, the school will be technically relocated to Sowerby Primary School and All Saints' School in Sowerby. However, parents and governors are not supporting this move.

We believe that this is the end of education in Sutton and in this local area.

To those who have been party to this accredited school's downfall, we feel anger and sadness that they will never know or understand the concept of community. They should hang their heads in shame, but somehow we sense they will not.

To the vast majority of this community who have tirelessly and passionately supported their school, we send our wholehearted thanks. We are just so sorry that our journey ends here.

On Thursday, July 19, at Felixkirk Church at 1pm, there will be a service of thanksgiving for Sutton School, led by the Bishop of Whitby, to mark the end of this era.

All are welcome.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Sutton under Whitestonecliffe Church of England Primary School.

Assembly's role

Sir, - The North East Regional Assembly has reacted strongly to policy statements issued by the Conservative group on Darlington Borough Council and the misconceptions that its members hold about the role and function of the assembly.

I would like to set the record straight on what the assembly does and how much it costs. Back in 2004, the referendum voted against an elected regional assembly - this would have been a different scale of organisation.

What we have now is what we have had since 1999, a small organisation of just over 20 staff carrying out critical functions across the whole region.

The existing North East Assembly is unique at the regional level in that it brings together the public, private and voluntary sectors through its 73 members and it provides a strong voice for the region, lobbying for changes both nationally and internationally.

It also provides the statutory framework (the Regional Spatial Strategy) that guides development over the next 20 years and it makes sure strategies like transport, planning and housing, are integrated for the benefit of the people in North-East England.

It ensures the accountability of One NorthEast in its work to improve the region's economy and in September it will take responsibility for the regional housing board.

The North-East Assembly's annual budget is just under £2m. There are 2.4m people in the region so this represents a spending of less than £1 per person per year; a modest budget yet we still add significant value to improving quality of life for the region's people.

Darlington Borough Council's contribution to the assembly is only £3,176.40 in 2006/7.

ALEX WATSON

Chairman, North East Assembly,

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Army festival

Sir, - Yorkshire's soldiers, from the Regular and Territorial Army and cadets from the Army Cadet Force, invite everyone to join them for the Army in Yorkshire Festival at York's Imphal Barracks on Saturday, July 15. We are your Army, so please do join us.

We promise you a fun-packed day for all the family. Whether it is watching daring Army stunt riders and free-fall parachutists, trying to master our mobile climbing walls, relaxing to military bands or the delight of traditional Nepalese dancing, there will be something for everyone. Children in particular will enjoy the many fun, funny and thrilling treats in store.

More importantly, it is a chance for you all to meet and talk to your local soldiers.

The Chief of the General Staff's Briefing Team will also give a fast-paced presentation about the role of the Army today and how we fit into society. This is a rare opportunity and you are all very welcome to attend.

The gates open from 11am-4pm. We are on the A19 Fulford Road into York. Car parking is available or you can take the Park & Ride from the Designer Outlet on the A64.

A small admission charge will be made with proceeds going to several charities.

Maj SIMON J TINNING

Royal Logistics Corps

Deputy Chief of Staff

Headquarters 15

(North East) Brigade