THE Press of September 18 reports on the York to Leeds via Harrogate rail improvements.

The 8.45am train York to Leeds via Harrogate takes 1hr 12 mins – an average time for that journey.

However, the 8.15amYork to Leeds direct takes 25 minutes – an average time for that journey.

Even the 8.11am train from Hammerton to Leeds is routed via York and takes only 53 minutes.

Either the councillors need to learn to read train timetables or just admit it is another political hot potato of interest to the Harrogate commuting voters, as saving 15 minutes journey time will be of no interest to your readers.

Brian Slater, The Beeches, Pocklington, York.
(Irregular but informed traveller: all information from transportdirect.info)