Come on Ryedale people - dig deep (From Gazette & Herald)

Come on Ryedale people - dig deep

I HAVE recently come to live in wonderful Ryedale but don't understand the long-time Ryedalers. This is a well-run community. Ryedale District Council does an excellent job - rubbish collection recycling initiatives, well-repaired roads and footpaths, traffic flowing freely, ample and cheap parking everywhere, clean streets, flower-bedecked in season, an atmosphere of care and attention.

Ryedale's policing is first-class, beat bobbies on the streets, no vandalism, crime attended to instantly, the culprits caught and punished. Refugees and asylum seekers should be encouraged here to see how democracy works.

The local private traders are a bit of a disappointment and your markets also, but the supermarkets provide every requirement, whilst local outlets provide a talking shop for the locals, and why not?

These are the signs of a thriving modern community. As for hunting? The dinosaurs are long dead, as is John Peel - hunt supporters, join the real world.

All these excellent services have to be paid for. It is only right that the burden falls on those most able to pay, the property owners. OAPs complain of poverty, they have had 50 years of working life to provide for old age, why did they not?

Come on you people of Ryedale, get your hands deeper into your pockets. If the council tax goes up 30pc this year it is worth it just to live in this delightful place.

Updated: 11:12 Wednesday, January 14, 2004