I WELCOME the news that the Woodland Trust is undertaking to maintain historic Holme House Wood, and to improve the condition of the footpaths therein, together with a commitment to continue to allow free public access in perpetuity. The paths are very muddy at most times of the year, so improvements would be welcome.

However, I do take issue with the decision of a trust based in Grantham to rename Keighley's woods as Captain Tom's Memorial Wood. Was the population of Keighley consulted about the change, and if not, why not?

I have nothing but admiration for the achievement of Captain Tom in raising the amazing sum of money that he did. What he did was remarkable, and to be commended. But if there is a need for the name of Holme House Wood to be changed (and I don't believe there is) then would it not be much more appropriate to honour the name of a man born and bred in Keighley and who was a much respected lifelong resident of the town? Ian Dewhirst did not forsake his home town. He worked in the town, and lived all his life within a few hundred yards of Holme House Wood, and knew it well. Would not Dewhirst Dean, echoing adjacent Newsholme Dean, have been much more appropriate? It seems that the Woodland Trust preferred to latch onto a nationally-known name, rather than a local one.

Born one year earlier than Ian, I too am a lifelong resident of Keighley, and for me this ancient woodland will always be Holme House Wood.

Allan Humphrey, Ingrow

* The Keighley News invited the Woodland Trust to comment, but at the time of going to press no response had been received

** Email your letters to alistair.shand@keighleynews.co.uk