THE “shock” resignation from Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association came as no surprise. It was, I believe, inevitable.

During the debacle of the de-selection of our previous very conscientious Member of Parliament, the then Ryedale Conservative Association was reprimanded by Conservative HQ for their attitude to the rules of the association.

Soon afterwards, the association underwent an election for a new chairman.

I remarked at the time that if the association wished to continue with its previous style of operation, for which they were reprimanded, then the now chairman then candidate should be elected.

If, however, the wish of members was for an open, accessible, approachable association, then perhaps their vote should be placed elsewhere.

My heartfelt thoughts go to David Cussons who has served Ryedale well for the last 22 years.

To receive the letter from the association suspending him on the day he received an MBE indicates to me how out of step the Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association is.

I am supportive of the RDC councillors who have resigned from the association.

Whether others will follow I don’t know, but I am sure that other councillors at all levels, as well as Conservative Party members will be thinking about their various political memberships now.

Chris Parkin, former member of Ryedale Conservative Association

Egg run thanks

RE Squires Egg Run 2017. On behalf of everyone involved, I would like to say a big thank you to all; without you it wouldn’t happen.

It was so fantastic to see Malton so very busy with motorbikes, trikes and scooters and all the pets that came along for the ride, big or small. Thanks go to: The Squires Marshalls, Chris Eden and all the bikers that joined up for the ride into our lovely town of Malton; Kevin Hutchinson and team, Yorkshire Air Ambulance; Rob Davies and team, Ryedale Special Families; Vale Radio and Minster FM, The bagpipes, Ryedale Street Cleaners; Melanie Wright and Shaun Fox at Derek Fox Butchers and staff, Billy and Sam for the barbecue; Malton Laser; Paul Hoddy from Dynobikes and Joey Yorkshire Thompson, Dominic Herbertson, Nicky Dukes, Simon Naylor, for your fantastic display; Mark Javis for the sound system; Tate-Smiths Malton for the wagon; and The Cover Ups and The Rusty Pegs.

All the businesses - Chapter One & Chapter Two Bar, Harrison’s & Grill (The yard), Swallow & Sons, The Rusty Fox, Smash Boutique, Ian Brown tyres, The Mad Hatters Cafe, McMillian’s Gin shop, No.46 Bar, Specialist Cars of Malton, The Patisserie, Adrian Watson, Malton and Norton Rotary Club, Malton & Norton Lions Club, Hair & Wilde, Hoppers of Malton, Costellos of Malton, Station Taxis, Deli of Malton, The Royal Oak, The Topiary Tree, Tiny Tots, Halifax Malton, The Spotted Cow, The Malton Relish, The Co-op Funeralcare, Chamber of Trade, Malton CIC, Cllr Turner, Centurion Windows Scarborough.

And a very big thank you to all the locals who attended. Sorry if I have missed anyone. Thanks for all your support and donations. So much appreciated thank you.

Melanie Wright, Derek Fox Butchers and event helper

Finger on the pulse

I WAS surprised and disappointed to see the Liberal Democrats want to make the location of the Monday market in Pickering a North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) election issue.

Why? The decision to return to the Market Place has been taken and the town council will next be consulting on improvements - this decision was taken at the February meeting.

They also raise the issue of parking in the Market Place and there are already plans drawn up for consultation on changes to help this situation.

In the meantime there is enforcement in place, but officers can only deal with the illegal not those legally parked but causing an obstruction.

As a long-serving town councillor it is my view that Pickering Town Council has its finger on the pulse of the town and a record of dealing with issues. It is unfortunate that the Liberal Democrats are not as in touch - perhaps they are not the only ones.

It would be good to have candidates standing, for all parties, in the upcoming NYCC elections who have taken the time to know what the key issues are.

William Oxley, town councillor, Pickering East