Test centre must include motorcycles

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins must be congratulated on his efforts to fast-track the building of a new driving test facility at Steeton.

I notice however there is no mention of motorcycle testing facilities. Are they included in the plans?

Over the last two years the Driving Standards Agency, by completely ignoring the Motorcycle Industry Association’s recommendation, has completely devastated the testing structure, which had run successfully for many years.

This has culminated in only 40 per cent of the new stations being open on time, riders across the country having to travel, in some cases 80 miles for a test, and a 50 per cent reduction in people taking their test in the first year.

After a huge amount of pressure and lobbying at Government level, an inquiry has been held and the DSA was criticised for the failure of the testing programme, and we are looking forward to a collaboration with the industry, to implement a programme that is designed to ensure that the public receive testing facilities and a testing structure that is both available within a reasonable distance and on a proper testing area that is even and safe.

In the current climate of high fuel prices, and ever-increasing congestion, motorcycles can offer a positive alternative transport, giving low emissions, high MPG (a typical 125 commuter bike will return 150mpg) road tax from £15 up to a maximum of £65, and the easiest vehicle on the roads today to park.

In conclusion, it is imperative that motorcycles are included, and if that is not the case, can I ask Mr Hopkins to promptly add them to his communications with both the DSA and Transport Minister Mike Penning, who is a motorcyclist, to ensure that the riders can enjoy the same privileges as car drivers and have a testing facility within seven miles?

Stuart Feeny

Vice-chairman, Motorcycle Retailers Association, Great Portland Street, London>

Demand value for money from banks

I read with interest and real indignation about the decision by Bradford Primary Care Trust not to renew the annual funding for the Denholme Elders project, largely based on the lack of an adequate evaluation process.

I have worked in the public sector for many years and support the need for us to provide value for money and to prove that hard-earned taxpayers’ money is being put to good use.

I don’t know if Denholme Elders project meets the required criteria but from your report, I’m inclined to suspect it does. What I do know is that £7 billion-worth of public money was pumped into the UK banking system and two of those banks (HSBC and Lloyds) have recently suggested that their senior managers will be getting £2.5 million each in bonuses. So when we demand accountability and an evaluation process for public spending, let’s start with Stephen Hester and Eric Daniels and demand the same value for money test that we demand of Denholme Elders project and other valuable and essential public services which are facing cuts.

The public may seem powerless to demand this, but we do have the power of choice and custom.

The people who access such services and their families and supporters may feel inclined to exercise this power in their choice of banks and by reminding the banks of their feelings. It’s time to see the bigger picture.

Richard Edwards

East Parade, Steeton

Show consideration for others when parking

As a resident of Mytholmes, Haworth, I have seen a gradual increase in cars being parked more and more carelessly (and in some cases illegally) as each week passes — and it isn’t tourists for a change!

Take last Sunday morning, as an example. Vehicles were parked across dropped kerbs and driveways, on junctions, in the bus stop and more dangerously parked either side of the road just after the blind corner at Greenfield. I know the drivers will be attending Our Lady of Lourdes Church, in Ebor Lane, but little thought or consideration is given to pedestrians, mums with prams or disabled people when they park.

Nor are they considering that their actions make it extremely difficult for residents to drive safely from their properties and side streets, by blocking the view that they have of a lane that is constantly busy with traffic.

I understand that they want to worship and that the car park provided at Our Lady of Lourdes is minimal and that overspill has to be somewhere, but a little thought for the locals would go a long way. Perhaps they could car-share or park a little further away from the church? Either way, it is a problem that needs some thought before an accident happens.

Jayne Pickard

Mytholmes Lane, Haworth

Views wanted on homes plan

Regarding the land at North Dean Avenue, Keighley, the chairman and vice-chairman of the town council’s planning committee wish to bring to the notice of your readers, especially those who live in Upper North Dean Avenue and many others who live in that area, of the vast development planned for 190 houses to be built to the west of North Dean Avenue and south of Braithwaite village.

The feeling is that this development is only the start of one much greater, incorporating much of the land to the west, even towards Laycock Lane.

At the very least it is felt that a public meeting should be called to air the views of the many concerned residents and the town council of the obvious dangers to the public of Keighley.

These dangers include, firstly, the flooding of the North Beck from the run-off on to land which is saturated clay at the best of times, to say nothing of the impending development off Becks Road. Already Morrisons and Fitness First suffer from flooding without any extra water.

Secondly, the development as it stands at the moment will involve another 300 cars down North Dean Road, which will suffocate the junction of West Lane, Devonshire Street West and North Dean Road.

Thirdly, 190 houses will doubtless mean several hundred children needing education in already-overcrowded schools.

There are many other considerations to be taken into account, especially in an era of extreme weather and flash flooding.

The town council welcomes the readers’ views on this important planning application.

The town council can be contacted on (01535) 618252, or via its website at keighley.gov.uk

ALAN PARRY

Press Officer, Keighley Town Council