IN connection with the article regarding the new fence around the housing development at Rainbow Lane, we would like to show our support for the comments made by the local residents.

We first noticed the fence appearing as we drove by on the Malton bypass and couldn’t believe that a monstrosity like that had been allowed to be built. It must be an eyesore for the people who already live behind it and will be for those moving into the new homes.

My husband’s first words when it was completed were that he didn’t realise Malton had a prison. In this day and age surely the planners could have come up with a more natural solution that didn’t spoil the views of the surrounding countryside.

I might add that anyone travelling along the bypass and seeing this huge fence is more likely to be put off from visiting the town. I thought the idea was to improve the town and entice more visitors in.

Christine Lamb, Rillington

Brexit spaghetti

IT must be 20 years since I wrote a regular column in the Gazette & Herald and it is a long time since I contributed a letter either, but as our politicians struggle to untangle our plate of Brexit spaghetti, I just have to pass comment.

As a society we are regularly sold an ethos. Ukip sold us a package with an ethos of “Take back control!” The Conservative Party sells us an ethos of “Work hard and you will be rewarded”. The Labour Party sells us an ethos of “If you are in trouble, through no fault of your own, the State will step in to help”. As middle of the road voters we tend to cast our votes according to the position we see ourselves in this society.

Sadly, political organisations receive much of their funding from passionate idealists or from those with vested interests. This funding pays the cost of running the organisation and, in my opinion, is not donated by the centre-ground voter but by those on the “left” or “right” wings. Consequently, it is the “wing” of the party which dictates policy and not the centre-ground.

We are seeing this issue being played out in Parliament right now and it is why no deal has been signed to date. While those in the centre-ground would say “sign and move on” we are frustrated by the “wings” of Parliament and their own fixations and agendas.

So remember, when you vote, ask the question of how the ethos will be delivered.

Stephen Shaw, Norton

Getting the hump

I READ with interest news regarding the speed hump being removed from the Beacon Park end of Middleton Road. The reason being it was “too big” and “damaged vehicles”.

Surely when you approach the speed hump you should be driving at a reasonable speed and Middleton Road has a speed restriction of 20mph.

There are at least five sets of speed humps in Middleton Road, one of which is outside Pickering Junior School. This hump goes from one side of the road to the other and if anything like this one is “too big”.

The road in question is a busy road, especially so when it is school term, with parents dropping off their children. I use the road practically every day and there is no way I can approach these humps at more than 20mph. Why remove just one of the humps which I find is the least “too big” out of them all or was this because Greg White could only scrape together enough money from Pickering council to do so?

One thing I find appalling and will no doubt get some people’s backs up, is the way parents when dropping off their children at the schools in Middleton Road and Swainsea Drive park on the zig-zag lines. These are put their for the safety of children but no the “damaged vehicles” is more important than the lives of school children and pedestrians alike.

Ann Searle, Pickering

Fracking support

I AM writing in support of shale gas extraction in respect of the Third Energy’s planned hydraulic fracturing at the Kirby Misperton site later this year.

At this phase the local community will directly benefit to the sum of £100,000.

Should the site be commercially viable (fully expected) communities will receive one per cent of all gross revenues before costs are deducted. An industry estimate is £5m to £10m for the site.

Alongside the direct and indirect benefits which will accrue, the developer will also be paying increased business rates as a result of their operations, 100 per cent of which will go directly back to Ryedale District Council, again benefitting local communities.

With further development in Ryedale benefits could perhaps be similar to that of the Sirius Mine in Whitby where royalties for mineral rights will be paid to more than 450 land owners.

Furthermore, it is expected via their foundation that £13m will be paid to the local community per annum when in full production.

North York Moors National Park Authority and tourism will also benefit to the value of a million pounds per year.

Details can be found in NYMNPA Planning Committee, Planning Application NYM/2014/0676/MEIA, “Proposed Developer Contribution”.

David Pasley, Pickering