SIR, - Perhaps you would be kind enough to print a few words extolling the virtues of 4x4s purely as a matter of balance. The media seem to have been very successful in whipping up an anti 4x4 movement from a basis of ignorance,intolerence,and jealousy against those who choose to drive these largely superior vehicles.

The majority of 4x4s are no longer or wider than ordinary cars, only higher off the road. Therefore they take up no more space than a car.

The first rule in safe driving is visibility, and on this basis alone the 4x4 is undoubtedly superior. The protection they afford the occupants is usually better, tyres last a lot longer and in the main these vehicles cannot be described as fast'.

Furthermore they are no heavier on fuel than vehicles in a comparative price group. For instance a Diesel Range Rover of mine did 25 mpg round town and 30 mpg on a run, far lower fuel cost than say a £50,000 Jag, Mercedes or BMW.

So what's all the fuss about? The fact is most journalists can't afford a decent 4x4 so this anti 4x4 movement stems purely from envy.

I find it most dispiriting to see the increasing growth of City Cars' - small ,cheap, tinny, affording very little protection to the occupants and danger to pedestrians as bits fall off.

Although described as City Cars' this does not preclude them from being blown all over the motorway in a moderate wind, whilst the 4x4 driver relaxes in comfortable leather seats surrounded by a walnut interior in an elevated driving position, totally in control of the driving experience.

I feel there should be efforts made to phase out the small car in favour of 4x4 so in time all may benefit by owning one. Perhaps tax relief would help in the promotion of this concept. In the meantime no doubt the 4x4 drivers will have to put up with these small cars scurrying along in the gutter and occasionally becoming wedged in the tyre tread of these superior vehicles.

Peter Bye - - 1 Park Crescent, Addingham.

Soft drink prices

SIR - As a young adult I feel compelled to write in response to Bradford Council's latest strategy to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol in our district.

Although I support the strategy, I am inclined to believe that whilst individuals play a large role with regards to excessive drinking; drinking outlets around the region must also take some degree of responsibility, possibly in the form of more reasonable pricing and marketing of soft drinks.

The vast array of promotions on alcoholic drinks in drinking establishments around the district only encourages binge drinking which then often leads to the anti-social behaviour the council is so keen to omit.

As a non-drinker myself, I frequently have to pay double the price of an alcoholic drink for that of a soft drink. How ironic that there is an increased chance that it won't be me wasting taxpayers' money, regarding the requirement of emergency services for example, once the drinking establishments shut.

Linzi Clark - 1 Charlton Grove, Silsden.

Plea for respect

SIR, - If I blocked your drive with a car you would be annoyed. If I trampled through your shrubbery and broke expensive shrubs, because it was easier to walk through than round, you would be very annoyed.

So what gives folk the right to block my neighbour's drive and trample through their shrubbery? NONE !

This happens nearly every morning on Queens Road, beside Saint Margaret's Church. Much like drivers who block Keighley Road across the Moor, some attending Saint Margaret's Church think they can walk over other people's property.

When I attended chapel we were taught to respect others and their property. Is your church so high and mighty such things are inconceivable? Because if they are, it's time to re-think what you're teaching, especially the young.

Respect for people and their property has to be taught, in past years by the elders of the community. Now I see elders are among those being disrespectful of other people's property. What else, I wonder, are you going to give up for Lent?

Frazer Irwin - Queens Road, Ilkley.

No Hall there

SIR, - I was amazed to read on the front page of your newspaper (February 22) that the proposed housing complex on the former Clevedon House preparatory school site, is to be re-named Clevedon Hall.

Since there was never to my knowledge a Hall in these grounds, but only a Grange, I find this nomenclature somewhat in error. Unless of course there are plans to build one in the future. I also object to the fact 'Clevedon' is still being used in connection with the new development. It should in my opinion revert to it's original name. 'Clevedon' will always be associated with the preparatory school which was so suddenly and inexplicably closed down.

One has to wonder whether the Patron of the school , Her ajesty the Queen, was ever consulted, or is aware of this change in status.

It appears from your report that the new development name is now a 'fait accompli' and will remain so, to which I object most strongly, as I am sure will many other people.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Poor programme

SIR, - A few weeks ago, you published a council inspired report that the Supporting People programme of Bradford Council was performing well and had achieved a two-star rating.

This is how the Audit Commission actually summarised its own report of that programme in January last year: "The delivery of the £19.5 million Supporting People programme provided by Bradford Metropolitan District Council is 'poor' and has 'uncertain prospects' to improve. Progress is slow and there is little change to legacy services to better meet the unmet needs of vulnerable groups."

Those independent findings concluded that the service was not properly managed, was failing to help the most vulnerable people and cost far more than it should. So concerned was the commission, that a re-examination was scheduled for this year.

The real news should have been that Audit Commission inspectors have announced they'll begin their re-examination on March 26. There has been no change to those damning assessments since their last year's report. The Audit Commission's report of its re-examination will be published around the end of June.

Ilkley peoples' taxes pay for these services, and there are many vulnerable people whose health and well being rely on those vital services. We should take note of the Audit Commission's severe report and hope that their re-examination will bring much better news.

Andrew Dundas - Chairman, Ilkley Labour Party.

Stories wanted

SIR, - I'm a 73-year-old ex-Serviceman compiling my third modest book publication. A collection of amusing experiences, funny stories, yarns, poems, tales, anecdotes or precious moments in, and associated with, Service life in all branches of HM Armed Forces.

May I please be permitted to make an appeal for stories from your readers? Articles published are credited with the persons name, rank, number, unit or abbreviated address. All proceeds are donated to the Royal Leicestershire Regiment 'Royal Tigers' Association and the Leicestershire and Rutland Royal British Legion County Pipe Band. Examples of articles from my first two publications 'Rank Humour' and 'Stand Easy' can be seen on my website at www.oldsweat.co.uk

Cliff Newton - Bishop Tozers Chapel, Middlemarsh Road, Burgh-le-Marsh, Skegness, Lincs, PE24 5AD.