OUTRAGEOUS EXTREMIST VIEWS

While purporting to support "Christian values" the BNP does no such thing and shows no generosity to those of other faiths. To claim the support of the present Pope in their extremist views is to say the least outrageous.

On behalf of Christian congregations in the town we would suggest that the voters of Keighley think and act more positively and as suggested by Pope John XX111 many years ago strive for Peace built upon the four pillars of Truth, Justice, Love and Freedom.

On this basis, and as we approach the Christian festival of Easter which reminds us of how God's love reaches out to all people, we cannot support any claim that Islam is evil, inhuman, wicked or vicious.

Canon Sean Gilligan, Parish Priest of St Anne's Catholic Church Rev John Hudson, Chair of Central Keighley Churches Together

Less posturing - more action

The latest shenanigans regarding the college simply add fuel to the school of thought in Keighley that nothing ever changes.

How many plans - paid for by the council tax payer - are gathering dust on shelves whilst problems with the college or traffic in Keighley continue?

The ideas and solutions may be there but there has been a systematic failure to deliver them over many years. It is not surprising that any suggested plan for the future of the town is met with a degree of apathy and its credibility is questioned.

Let Keighley College get on with its merger and redevelopment and stop the nonsense of Bradford's unnecessary meddling.

Practical solutions and their delivery must take priority. Less posturing and more action.

Mark Taylor Labour, Keighley Central

Cougar Cubs need players

Could I appeal through your paper to children, parents, schools and anyone who does not know about the Keighley Cougar Cubs who train and play rugby league down at Utley playing fields, St John's Road.

The Cubs started in 1990, when Cougarmania was introduced, by Mick O'Neill, Joe Grima and the directors.

The game is going great in schools but sadly the Cougar Cubs don't have enough under-eights this season to put a team out. The ages range from under-eight to under-18. Each age group are coached by good, qualified RL coaches.

It is vital for young children to start at seven years of age so that they are taught the basic skills, but above all how to enjoy the game.

We play rugby, soccer or any game for one thing, and that is enjoyment.

The great photos in your paper showing tag rugby in schools prompted me to send this appeal out to anyone, boy or girl, who would like to play at the Cubs.

The training starts at 10am on Saturdays and games are played on Sunday mornings. The under-tens train from 11am to noon.

If any children want to try our game just come down on Saturdays, introduce yourself to any coach and you will be welcomed with open arms.

Ring Harry Plunkett on 211507 if you need any advice.

Harry Plunkett (under-tens coach), Shann Avenue, Keighley.

Weekend of hard work

The weekend of March 17 and 18, was clean-up time on the Woodhouse estate. and as Chair of the Hainworth Wood Community Centre management committee I would like to thank everyone involved in organising the event and all those who took part in the hard work.

Also thanks to the Sangat Centre for providing the well deserved meals; and the children who played an active part. Well done to everyone.

BRENDA ROBB Kirkstall Gardens, Woodhouse, Keighley

Peak challenge for readers

National charity Heart Research UK is on the look out for kind-hearted walkers who would like a challenge.

We want to hear from teams, couples and individuals who would like to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge is a picturesque and demanding walk, starting from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales and takes in the summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough - a total ascent of over 1,500 meters over 26 miles.

The event is not a race and the challenge is to complete the walk in less than 12 hours.

Sadly, most people have been touched by heart disease as it remains the UK's biggest killer and more than one in three people die from Cardiovascular Disease. Many walkers fundraise in support of someone who is living with heart disease, or in memory of a loved one.

We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in taking up the challenge; Entry forms can be downloaded at www.heartresearch.org.uk/three_peaks.htm Alternatively please call 0113 234 7474 or e-mail info@heartresearch.org.uk Derek Edwards Heart Research UK, Leeds

Don't buy Easter bunnies

With Easter approaching, rabbit breeders may be hoping to boost their profits by capitalising on the holiday's theme. But rabbits are one of the most complex species to care for.

They require plenty of freedom to run, dig and play throughout the day, every day; companionship of their own kind; safety and security from attacks by dogs and foxes; and daily health inspections throughout summer months It is more important than ever that people think twice before taking on a rabbit or any other pet. The new Animal Health and Welfare Act 2006 places a duty of care on pet owners to ensure that the needs of their animals are met. For more information and advice, contact info@animalaid.org.uk

Kate Fowler-Reeves Animal Aid The Old Chapel Bradford Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1AW

Gross misuse of money

It was with incredulity that I read your lead article entitled "University Challenge" on March 22. If Bradford College is serious about increasing opportunities for students and employers in the Keighley area then why is it planning to offer hair, beauty and IT training in direct competition with the current provision at Keighley College.

The truth of the matter is that this has nothing to do with widening choice. Rather it is a cynical decision designed to do maximum damage to Keighley College in the light of the governor's decision to choose Park Lane College, Leeds as a merger partner rather than Bradford College.

In reality this will put jobs and courses at risk at Keighley College and may further delay the long awaited new college campus at Dalton Lane.

I hope our MP Ann Cryer, and the West Yorkshire Learning and Skills Council investigate this gross misuse of public monies as a matter of urgency.

E CRUNDEN Greenhead Lane, Keighley

Foolhardy council claims

Readers may already be aware that Local Government Minister Phil Woolas announced this week that North Yorkshire County Council is one of 16 councils to be successful in bidding for unitary status.

If the bid is successful, it will mean the end of District Councils by 2009, leaving local' government in the hands of an authority stretching from Whitby to Bentham - some 120 miles apart.

The County Council's proposal is based on the premise that they can deliver local services more cost effectively by bringing all service provision under one umbrella organisation.

However, if Craven residents take a glance at their Council Tax bill for 2007-08, they will see that the increase in charge for County provided services is 4.9per cent, whereas the increase for District provided services is 3.9per cent. Moreover, each Band D Council Tax payer contributes £943.54 to the cost of County Council service provision, but only £141.49 for District Council services. This disparity of increase is in no way exceptional - it has followed the same pattern for a number of years.

It is promised that key stakeholders' will be involved in the consultation process, including parish councils and business leaders. I suggest that nothing less than a referendum of all local residents is the least we can expect, given that it is all of us that will be picking up the tab if the foolhardy claims of North Yorkshire County Council are accepted in Westminster.

Dave Robinson Burnside Crescent, Skipton

Concern over dog orders

Dogs Trust is becoming increasingly concerned with the rise of Dog Control Orders' being brought in by a number of local authorities and would like to urge all dog owners to be aware that there may be significant changes to where their dogs may be exercised.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, Dog Control Orders can be made in relation to five dog control issues including; dog fouling, dog ban areas, dogs on leads and multiple dog walking restrictions. All of which would mean that if a person fails to uphold any of the above in a designated area it would be classed as illegal and punishable by a fixed penalty or prosecution.

While Dogs Trust strongly supports the concept of responsible dog ownership and undertakes significant effort to encourage dog owners to be responsible, we are concerned that many responsible dog owners are going to be penalised and suffer for the sins of the irresponsible minority.

A consultation period will take place before any order is introduced and will be advertised in the local newspaper. If your readers feel it is too restrictive then we would advise them to voice their concerns.

Anna Robinson Head of Communications, Dogs Trust

Strength of new compact

How many people would be able to build a tall, freestanding structure out of the new Keighley News compact, that was strong enough to balance a golf ball on the top? Salt Grammar School's Year 9 students, that's who!

It was part of the 'Sacred Orb' teamwork challenge which concentrated on the five R's of resilience, responsibility, reasoning, resourcefulness and reflectivity. Much fun was had and many grand designs were built but only one team managed to construct a tower that was tall enough and solid enough to hold the 'Sacred Orb' without toppling over.

Vickie Clayden, Administration Manager, Salt Grammar School