I WILL always be grateful to the late Peter Rhodes, local professional football referee.

He brought together all the sporting groups that played on the Knavesmire in the mid-1960s; amateur rugby league, football and hockey to successfully stop York City Council allowing cattle grazing on the Knavesmire.

I played for Heworth ARLFC under-17s in 1963, and some games were held up while a herd of bullocks walked across the pitch. The cow pats were very unpleasant to land in. No health and safety, just people power! York RU had the same problems (recent letter) on Hob Moor till they moved to a new ground and clubhouse at Clifton Park. Halcyon days.

Mick Abbott, Beech Grove, Acomb

Vital for Government to protect citizens

AFTER the probe into a mix-up which saw a fire crew sent to the wrong address, it would appear that the new system of linking North Yorkshire’s fire service control centre to Cornwall to save money can only be described as an accident waiting to happen.

In the present climate of terrorist activity and recent events of major fires caused by arson, each second counts for our fire crews attending the designated scene without delay.

It is also worrying with our National Health Service under severe pressure and recent reports that the police service is undermanned by at least 20,000 frontline staff, not to overlook the fall in recruitment to senior services like the Army, Navy and RAF.

Apart from the Second World War, there has never been a more critical time for Government to ensure the country protects its citizens.

All the above services will be at some time in our lives be called upon to deal with any given situation.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York