YP Letters: Turning tide against Whitby tourist office closure

THE Scarborough Borough Council plan to close Whitby tourist office is unbelievable.

The fact that they have tried to do it at a time when most people are preoccupied with Christmas is unforgiveable.

The possibility that this handsome centrally-located building, given to the people by Yorkshire Water, could become a take-away or be sold to the highest bidder to save money is simply unacceptable.

But our thanks should go to our town council for blowing the whistle on this extraordinary decision and organising an emergency meeting open to the community to discuss it.

Around 60 people came and many people spoke eloquently about the injustice of this decision. It was good to hear that Scarborough Borough Council has agreed to further ‘consultation’ after Christmas.

The mayor referred to the consultation as a real opportunity. I and many others agree, but only if the views of the community are clearly sought and effectively represented.

The real opportunity here is, I believe, for the community of Whitby to take back control of this prime site in the town and to build a consortium of local interests – social, cultural and economic – to run it alongside our town council.

Whitby needs a building that can truly showcase a community which includes innovative and ethical businesses, a thriving and creative voluntary sector and a dynamic cultural, artistic and spiritual community.

Don’t believe BBC science

From: G Wright, Tadcaster.

I HAVE read your columnist Sir Bernard Ingham’s columns on the subject of global warning and was pleased that someone with a public forum was able to articulate views close to my own.

I have a scientific, technological and engineering background at very senior level and have worked with and employed sufficient so-called experts to know that one shouldn’t accept, as gospel, certainties promulgated as fact, no matter how erudite the source.

The BBC, which claims to be the broadcaster with the most integrity in the world, has much to answer for in the propaganda relating to global warming. Some months ago, there was a programme in which the BBC intended to convince spectics of the fact that CO2 caused global warming.

Fifteen people, said to be spectics, were brought into the studio where an experiment was set up to convince the doubters.

The experiment consisted of two large plastic containers, with thermometers, on which bright lights were shone.

The “scientist” then introduced an acid and a carbonate to produce CO2 in one container and – lo and behold – there was a greater rise in temperature in that with the CO2.

As any 15-year-old in my grammar school would have been aware, this would not have been surprising as the chemical reaction was exothermic.

Perhaps the “Mickey Mouse” science of the BBC is indicative 
of the decline in standards of basic science of the general population of the UK and, in particular the lack of any scientific background in politicians and polemicists.

Thanks to the tidy walkers

From: David Collins, Scissett.

I WOULD like to pass on seasons greetings and thanks to the majority of walkers who take the time and effort to clean up after their pets.

As far as the minority who decorate layby bushes and field hedges or leave mess in situ, may I suggest a New Years resolution to seek professional help with their anti-social behaviour and illegal activities.

Ditch the fuzz scruffy Harry

From: Peter Hyde, Driffield.

I’M sorry Prince Harry, but the effort you make to look like one of the lads by growing a beard just doesn’t suit either you or your position in the Royal family or wearing uniform. To be frank Sir, you look scruffy. Be your own man and ignore the foolish followers of fashion.

MP does not hear the noise

From: Iain Morris, Saltaire.

THE Shipley MP Philip Davies seems to make a case for expansion at Heathrow Airport with one glaring omission. I do not think he lives anywhere near the runways flight paths.

Noise pollution has become endemic in certain areas in modern life and is an insidious problem which too many people have to put up with while others get away with it scot-free.

EU funding leads to bias

From: June Warner, Kirk Deighton.

THE BBC has recently admitted to raking in a massive £2m of funding from the European Union in the run up to the referendum.

That the EU part funds our national broadcaster has long been known and explains why virtually no stories portraying the EU in any negative way are permitted to see the light of day.

We desperately need voters to recognise this situation in the coming referendum.