There are possibly few people in the history of this area as important as William Edward Forster.

Not only was he a pioneering educationalist who changed the face of schools forever, as a Member of Parliament he was also vociferously anti-slavery and, on a more local level, set up a Board of Health in Burley-in-Wharfedale which vastly improved sanitary conditions in the village.

Now, almost 130 years after his death in 1886, a new headstone has been dedicated at the place of Forster’s burial, God’s Acre cemetery.

It is only right that we should continue to honour William Forster and keep his memory fresh and vital by ensuring his achievements are constantly at the forefront of public thought.

William Forster was an example to us all, whether we be currently-serving Members of Parliament or ordinary people who live in the shadow of his huge endeavours.

This new headstone will keep alive the memory of William Forster and show that his work has not gone unappreciated.

Everyone should know the name of William Forster and the facts about what he achieved, and in this age of celebrity he truly is an important person whose legacy is worth really celebrating.

Airport service must be saved

Much has been made in recent times of the need to encourage passengers and staff to use public transport to travel to Leeds-Bradford Airport.

So it would have been an extremely retrograde step to axe a bus service which connects the airport to Otley, Menston rail station and Pool-in-Wharfedale.

But that was exactly what was in danger of happening after LBA told Metro it would no longer financially support the service.

Its loss would have been a big blow to people living in those areas and to the policy of encouraging people to leave their cars at home.

Now it looks as though the service will be saved after all, following a decision by Metro to reconsider the plan.

Otley and Yeadon councillor Ryk Downes has stressed the need to support good transport links to the airport.

And he is urging all those who would be affected by the loss of the service to attend a public consultation session in Pool in November.

Credit must go to all those who are working to save the service – not least to Metro.

Now it is time for the public to make their voices heard.