CHRISTIAN Vassie and Mike Harrison have been slugging it out on the letters page over smart meters.

Had it been possible to invent smart meters more than 50 years ago, before the electronic revolution began, everyone would have one by now. It wasn’t possible, so why the debate now Mr Harrison?

I have just made a coffee, refilling my favourite mug with boiling water. I measured out the 350ml of water that my mug takes and put it into my empty 3kW kettle. It boiled in exactly 63 seconds costing me precisely 0.63p.

The messages are very simple.

Boil the absolute minimum water that you need Mr Harrison. I only needed 350ml; you won’t need 1 litre for one mug.

A smart meter is no help in controlling the amount of water used and in any event only gives you a clue that you have wasted energy after the kettle has finished boiling, Mr Vassie.

On the other hand, smart meters make complete sense in the bigger picture and are here to stay so do just get used to them Mr Harrison.

Now please will everyone invest in measuring jugs which can measure small quantities accurately. I have and only boil the minimum needed. That is the smartest way to save energy, money and CO2.

Quentin Macdonald, Manor Farm, Church Lane, Nether Poppleton, York

National park’s name is York on its signs

IN REPLY to Mr Hall of Nunnington’s question of about why the North Yorkshire Moors have come to be referred to as the North York Moors, well it’s simple. He’s got it the wrong way round!

Those who call them the North Yorkshire Moors are incorrect. You just have to look at the boundary markers when entering the Moors: the distinctive red circular logo with Ralph’s Cross in the centre and the words North York Moors National Park.

Many publications and TV presenters in the past can be accused of lazy journalism by referring to it as both, but it is what it is - the North York Moors.

If anyone is still in doubt check the wording of the address which is: North York Moors National Park Authority, Bondgate, Helmsley, York.

Pip Burke, Osbaldwick Lane, York

Apology for any late fireworks in past

I READ with interest and pangs of guilt the letter from P Hepworth about being rudely awoken by fireworks.

Mr Hepworth’s loss of sleep will weigh heavily on my mind as I know he needs to rest after all that cycling he does.

I would hasten to add it was not me on this occasion; all our fireworks were over and banged by 10pm. But I apologise for a much longer and very loud firework party we had a few years ago that went well into the later hours. All our neighbours were out of their windows enjoying it too and Mr Hepworth could no doubt hear it from Windmill Rise.

It was a while ago now and I was young and foolish but it undoubtedly upset someone somewhere and for that I apologise.

Robert Gray, Holgate, York