HAVING read Steve Mason’s letter, “Stand up for us”, I feel that Kevin Hollinrake is doing exactly that – he went off to America to see for himself what was entailed and formed a sound opinion.

Until there is a viable alternative to fossil fuels, we all need gas and at present most of it is imported and highly-inflated prices.

Gas may not be the total answer to our energy needs, but it is a huge part of it until we can replace it with something safe and reliable that doesn’t rely on the weather and mother nature we have to live with what we have and the best we have is our own gas.

His insinuation that Mr Hollinrake’s occupation has anything to do with him being “an expert” and allegedly selling out Ryedale to the “Fossiholics” is just ridiculous.

I take it from this that Mr Mason is not a “Fossiholic”, does not run a car, have central heating or electricity in his house, does not wear manmade fabrics or use plastics. We cannot live without gas at present, every single one of us needs it.

Neil Milbanke, Thornton-le-Dale

 

What research has he really done?

STEVE Pearse (Gazette & Herald, December 23) is right to be appalled by our MP.

Sadly Kevin Hollinrake is more interested in a career in the Tory party than representing his constituents. He purports to have done research in Pennsylvania, but that is one of the most industrialised states in The Union.

Ideally Mr Hollinrake should be deselected as our MP, but of course the Commons have managed to protect their own and not ours interests in this respect.

Perhaps Mr Hollinrake should read the letter on the subject of fracking from among others, Sir Richard Storey of Settrington Grange, The Right Rev Bishop Cray, The Lord Downe of Wykham Estate, TheHon Jake Duncombe of Duncombe Park, The Hon Nicholas Howard of Castle Howard and Sir William Worsley of Hovingham Estate. One can only guess who these gentlemen (used) to vote for.

Chris Jones, Beadlam

 

EU must take some blame for flooding

WERE it not for the EU’s 2000 Directive, pretty well preventing the UK dredging its watercourses over 15 years, we would not suffer national flooding episodes.

Conversely, were we to restore rivers’ dredging, to remove accumulated silt brought down by the thousands of land drainage schemes, heavily subsidised by the UK government, we would, in large measure, prevent flooding which has nothing to do with climate change – as testified by specialists at the universities of Cambridge and Aberystwyth, explaining how there have been 34 such floods in Cumbria, over the last 300, averaging, therefore, one every 10 years. Yet one more reason for leaving the EU.

Richard Storey, Settrington

 

Thanks for bringing us riding joy, Nicky

THROUGH your letters page I would like to take the opportunity to thank your equestrian correspondent Nicky Lyons, who is passing on the reins.

Through her understanding and involvement in the local riding scene, Nicky has brought joy and recognition to amateur riders of all ages and abilities. All good wishes – and thanks – to Nicky. From Horse of the Year Show to the bending race at the local gymkhana; all results have brought much delight to both riders and readers.

Sarah Lyon, Welburn