NOW the government has relaxed lockdown, rightly or wrongly, visitors are returning to our area, a minority, bringing with them their unwanted litter to be strewn on our grass verges and car parks.

How sad to see the re-opened Saltergate car park disfigured with plastic bags, bottles, sandwich wrappers etc.

Why can’t these be taken home and put in people’s bins? Heavy fines for litter louts are overdue, with naming and shaming necessary.

The peace we have enjoyed over the last few months is now shattered with the sounds of racing motorcycles who have inundated the area.

I think it is high time the police stopped and checked the legality of their silencers, as well as catching those who recklessly flout the speed limits.

W Tait, Helmsley

Keep dancing

I JUST wanted to let you know what a fantastic job Kirkham Henry Performing Arts in Malton is doing in these uncertain times.

They are still supporting all the students and offering free dance classses, via zoom, for the children to join in.

My son has been a member since he was five years old (he is 15 now) and before the country went into lockdown he would spend five or six days a week dancing and singing at this amazing school.

Since lockdown the teachers have offered classes remotely so that children can all join in.

It’s little things like this that have given my son the confidence and the enthusiasm to continue to enjoy and follow his passion for dance and performing.

I’ve loved walking into the kitchen and seeing my son joining in with others dancing and smiling.

These amazing people who have made this possible by giving their time and commitment deserve so much recognition.

Thank you Kirkham Henry Performing Arts.

Becki Ellis, Malton

Farming legislation

THE most important farming legislation in generations passed its third reading, aided by the vote of our MP Kevin Hollinrake, slipping behind the smokescreen of coronavirus and Dominic Cummings.

We can wave goodbye to post-Brexit food and environmental standards, they have been removed.

Helen Earnshaw (farmer), Salton

Virtual picnic idea

WE may not be able to hold picnics in the usual way just yet, but why not hold the next best thing – a virtual picnic?

National charity Family Action is running its Virtual Family Picnic and everyone is invited. The charity has created a free pack full of tips, ideas and videos to help people to host their own virtual picnic.

Although we are all still respecting social distancing and cannot meet in groups, we can still share experiences together and create happy memories.

Go tofamily-action.org.uk/get-involved/virtual-family-picnic/

David Holmes CBE, CEO Family Action

Step up for cancer

I’M absolutely delighted to be a patron of Bowel Cancer UK and to be supporting their fundraising campaign Step up for 30.

It’s a cause very close to my heart as my dad Paul passed away in March after being diagnosed with bowel cancer four years ago.

Sport is obviously a huge part of my life and in these uncertain times exercise is a wonderful way to improve your mental and physical health.

It’s really simple to take part in Step up for 30, just get active each day throughout June and ask people to sponsor you.

Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer. That’s over 42,000 people every year. But with the money raised through events like this, Bowel Cancer UK can continue to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected. Sign up at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/stepupfor30

Joe Gray, England and Harlequins rugby player