SIR, - Eighteen months after atomic bombs obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nature returned.

It didn't need over enthusiastic councillors or aerial surveys. It returned as it always has in major upheavals, whether they be earthquakes, fire, water, or in their case, by human hand.

In view of global warming, may I suggest that nature be left to regenerate Ilkley Moor, without over-intervention from other agencies. Areas the world over regenerate on a regular basis and no-one, figuratively speaking, bats an eye.

Were Darwin alive today it would have been interesting to hear his thoughts on the matter.

People have a place in the countryside, and that place is second to nature. On our doorstep the young and not-so-young can watch regeneration as nature intends.

The burnt area will re-establish with flora and fauna that nature wishes to be there. Over-interference could weave problems for future generations. They will reap what is sown over the next few years, or not, as the case may be.

There are more needy causes for parish council funds. Our National Monuments, for instance. Instead of wasting brass on dubious moorland photography, it could be put into saving what is left of the Panorama Stone.

Numerous people, including national media, have asked me what is happening at St Margaret's Park. As I have no immediate facts about their continued demise, I suggested that they contacted their ward councillor, or Ilkley's Parish Clerk, on (01943) 436 212.

Leave the Moorland alone, nature will replace what it requires up there.

Frazer Irwin Queens Road,Ilkley,West Riding of Yorkshire.

Store point

SIR, -I would like to invite your opinion on a matter pertaining to Tesco's in Ilkley.

You may know that Ilkley Grammar School students frequent Tesco store at lunchtime to purchase food for their lunch! I heard a member of the company ordering the children to move away!

They had spent their lunch money in Tesco, rushed to eat before returning to classes. They were very surprised.

I intervened and asked why they were being removed, I then asked to see the manager, who in turn told me that they were blocking the entrance!

There were a number of students eating their food and chatting quietly. They were not blocking the entrance! These young people will one day be the future customers of Tesco and I wonder where they will shop?

You may agree wih Tesco, I realise that of lunchtime there is an influx of students! Unfortunately, it is the only time that they can shop, it is near the school which gives them time to come and go with the time that they have.

I have been in the shop when they arrive, and yes it is overwhelming, but they have always been courteous to me! However, I am an old lady!???

M Walsh Woodcote,23 Moorfield Road,Ben Rhydding,Ilkley.

Badgers and TB

SIR, - I'd like to draw readers' attention to new research which should finally bring an end to the continuing myth surrounding badgers and the spread of bovine TB.

The National Farmers' Union has long been propelling the view that badgers spread TB to cattle. However, new findings by top researchers, commissioned by the Government, show that the route of infection lies much more with cattle than badgers.

It also says that culling badgers actually increases bovine TB in badger populations.

This follows recommendations from the Government's Independent Scientific Group on bovine TB that what is needed is improved cattle controls.

Surely, David Milliband, the Environment Minister, will now take this opportunity to stop the Government-sponsored badger snare trials which began back at Easter. Snares are barbaric instruments that cause unnecessary suffering and stress to badgers and other animals inadvertently caught.

Jenny Barsby League Against Cruel Sports

No criticism

SIR, - I am saddened that Frazer Irwin has reacted as he has to my letter of August 31.

Into my attempt to give him credit for the early proposals for Darwin Gardens he seems to have read a criticism that he was responsible for the council's concerns regarding taking away car parking.

To clarify the facts, I would refer to the minutes of an open consultation meeting held by Ilkley Parish Council on February 17, 1999 which say: "Councillors expressed particular concern at the suggestion that the car parking may be taken away. Dr Harnett agreed that it was a contentious issue but pointed out that they had asked the public to consider the idea" and went on: "However, another suggestion included the possible acquisition of the forecourt of the Yorkshire Water Filter Station for parking."

This brings me rather neatly to my current concern; that there should be the faintest possibility that a building to serve as a community utility should be sold for a private residence on Common Land. It is quite iniquitous and makes a complete farce of planning laws regarding green belts and similar land.

As a postscript, it is one of the coincidences that seem to invade anything to do with town affairs that the night before Mr Irwin's letter, two Ilkley residents had told me that they thought Darwin Gardens should be named after Alan Titchmarsh, who was much more relevant as an Ilkley resident.

Up to that point Darwin Gardens had not been part of the conversation at all, and while I concurred with the sentiment, I do believe that Darwin Gardens had a more effective ring about it for a Millenium Project.

B J Cussons, 4 Curly Hill,Ilkley.

A peregrine?

SIR, - At lunchtime on September 29 at the junction of Brook Street and The Grove, I was driving my car when there was a thump. Pulling in to the side I saw a fully grown pigeon on the road with a large hawk on its back.

A few seconds later, the traffic having stopped the hawk flew away, then the pigeon.

The only hawk I know that is capable of taking an adult pigeon in mid-air would be a peregrine. The only residue seems to be a dent in my car roof.

Ian Adams 25 Parish Ghyll Drive, Ilkley.

Cemetery respect

SIR, - The big problem over the use of the Chapels in Ilkley Cemetery is that they are far too much involved with Estates Management. Bradford.

The council does have a statutory duty to maintain the cemetery grounds, fencing, and chapels. That, of course is straightforward for them to do.

Where parts of the Council and some others have a problem is in understanding that so many of us have a strong emotional relationship with the cemetery because our loved ones are buried there. We are people with a very strong feeling for what the cemetery is really for. Wherever we are, we have a bond with the Cemetery. It is a living bond of our memories of those who were closest to us.

Respect Ilkley Cemetery has established contact with the council's Bereavement Services. They have been nationally praised for their excellent people-friendly' work.

They understand how we feel. Being people-friendly' is what should decide the use that is made of the chapels. Use of the chapels should be removed from the grip of those whose only concern is with material things.

We who mourn our dead have a right to have our family, religious, and ethical feelings respected. That is why Respect Ilkley Cemetery is calling for the chapels to be used to shelter in a proper and respectful setting the individual caskets of ashes of the deceased where that is the preferred choice.

Respect Ilkley Cemetery draws its strength from the 187 people who petitioned the council's Executive to prevent our cemetery being taken over for a business park. But we welcome all who would support our aim. Just write me a line to say that you support the chapels being used to shelter in a proper manner the ashes of people which are placed there. That is all that you need do. But please print your name and address.

Edwin Schirn 18 Victoria Grove, Ilkley.

Help offered

SIR, - I am a volunteer for Independent Age, the charity that offers older people practical and financial support to help them live independent lives.

Next month is Independent Age Action Week (October 9 to 13). The charity wants to reach out to older carers to help them look after their loved ones and remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

It is estimated that there are more than one million unpaid carers in the UK who are over 65 and over a third of them are over 75, many of whom care for more than 50 hours a week.

Older carers often suffer from declining health and find it increasingly difficult to care for the people they love without good practical support with things like household chores, repairs and shopping. Some people do not even realise that they are a carer.

Are you an older carer or do you know someone who could benefit from the help of Independent Age? Visit our website at www.independentage.org.uk or get a carers information pack by writing to: Older Carers, Independent Age, 6 Avonmore Road, London, W14 8RL.

J H Butterfield Independent Age Volunteer for Bradford,30 Valley Drive,Ilkley.