IN response to your article 'Plan to remove cattle grid is scrapped' (December 8), I assure my colleagues on the Strensall and Towthorpe Parish Council, and any other interested parties, that I never claimed to be chairman of the council nor to be speaking on her behalf in this matter.

Nor did I speak to the Evening Press at any stage on the subject.

However, co-incidentally there was an announcement from the Countryside Agency about the Countryside And Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW 2000) which is relevant (December 11). This act is to be implemented in 2005 and purports to give "new walking rights in the countryside".

Part of the plan to fill in the cattle grid mentioned in the article was to fence about two miles of Strensall common near the road to safeguard grazing sheep. It seemed ironic that, at a time when CROW was to be implemented, there was a possibility that Strensall Common was to be fenced off for the first time in centuries.

The threat has now been averted. But all who use Strensall Common should be aware of CROW 2000. Strensall Common has not been "common land", except geographically, since 1884 and is described as "open country" in the draft CROW map.

The 1884 Strensall Common Act is still extant. If we are to retain our rights under that act recreational users must look after Strensall Common more carefully.

Litter louts, owners of uncontrolled dogs and people who ignore red flags and danger signs must conform to the rules of responsible behaviour. To see the draft map of CROW 2000 in the Strensall/Towthorpe area contact parish clerk Shirley Walker on (01904) 490035.

Ralph Plant,

Lords Moor Lane, Strensall,

York.

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, December 18, 2003