Letters round-up

As I drove down the steep hill into North Grimston, a very large lorry was coming up the hill and I had to move slightly towards the roadside. We felt a massive jolt. We carried on trying to find a place to pull in so as not to block the road.

Alas the noises from the wheels forced me to halt on the carriageway. On inspection I found that not just one but both kerbside tyres were badly damaged.

We phoned the recovery company and were told we should be collected in about an hour. As we sat, blocking one lane of this narrow road, a van driver stopped to see if he could help, but as we only had one spare tyre he couldn’t do anything.

For the next 40 minutes or so we were amazed at the number of drivers who stopped to see if they could help or if we needed to use their mobile phone.

Every one was so friendly and concerned that what had seemed a disaster became almost a pleasure because of the kindness we were shown.

After about 45 minutes the recovery vehicle arrived and we set off for Malton. We were amazed and somewhat disturbed when the driver told us that he had carried out an identical rescue the day before with two wrecked tyres caused by the same pot hole.

Perhaps you might inform your local council about this hazard before something more serious happens, but our abiding memory is of a lot of very concerned and friendly people to whom we say thank you.

Rick Sumner, Hornsea

A signal for delays

REGARDING Karen Darley’s article “More trains will bring road chaos” (Gazette & Herald, September 14), the introduction of what is described as “automatic signalling” at Malton level crossing will not be a panacea for reducing road closure times for each train as some people might expect.

Whenever the planned resignalling of the York to Scarborough line does take place (2024 has been promulgated), which will involve the closure of six signal boxes and two gate boxes and transfer of control to the recently commissioned York Regional Operating Centre, the positioning of any new protecting signals on either side of Malton level crossing will be determined so as to ensure there is no worsening of existing railway journey times.

Therefore, one can expect the present situation to be perpetuated whereby the level crossing barriers will start to fall when a Scarborough bound train has arrived at Malton station, and when the signaller at York is aware that a York bound train is in the vicinity of the A64 overbridge.

Charles Allenby, Swinton

Energy puzzle

WHY has the government who are so concerned about energy security just given the go-ahead to Hinckley Point?

We are told we need fracking so we are not dependant on other countries for our gas, yet the government, after initial reservations, think it is okay to let the Chinese have a huge interest in our nuclear industry. It makes no sense to me. Why has Theresa May, who was herself hugely sceptical about Chinese involvement, changed her mind?

Monica Gripaios, Hovingham

Help a deaf child

DOESN’T time fly.

Perhaps not quickly enough when you are a parent taking your deaf child through the processes required to make him part of the hearing world instead of a silent lonely one.

By donating old jewellery, fountain pens, watches, cufflinks, brooches etc, you help to buy items needed in the assessment and aftercare from a cochlear implant.

As you can imagine children break things so often their aid needs replacing too, which again is where your help comes in, thankfully.

Some little ones sadly have severe sight problems as well as hearing loss. It must be hard, but when progress is made it is absolutely wonderful. So again, proceeds help to buy sensory toys for these children, teaching sound, touch, shapes, colours etc.

My sincere thanks to everyone who helps. Your donations are truly appreciated and as you know every penny goes to these requirements, never to overheads, so let’s keep this good valuable work going.

Give me a ring on 01347 810325 if you wish to help or learn more.

Eunice Birch, Sutton-on-the-Forest