I STRONGLY agree with Heather Williams that the traffic situation at Butcher Corner is indeed an accident waiting to happen.

As a pedestrian I find it increasingly hazardous to cross the road here even when using the pelican crossing.

It has been my experience that even when the “green man” signal is showing cars come sweeping round the corner in the path of people just stepping out on to the road.

Clearly these particular drivers are not staying behind the solid white line until the traffic lights change.

Also, cars regularly stop directly on the pelican crossing which is a traffic offence.

I would urge drivers approaching this junction do so with more caution and respect for pedestrians and the Highway Code, section 5, paragraphs 191 to 199.

Vicky Fowler, Malton

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‘Jams’ contempt

I DO admire Cllr Di Keal’s chutzpah in counting all the anti-Brexit votes in the recent elections into a damning verdict of Brexit - and then suggesting that our country needs a “People’s Vote to put an end to this fiasco”.

I’m sorry, perhaps I was asleep; I thought we’d had a “People’s Vote” some years ago; and did we not vote to leave the EU?

Could Cllr Keal put me right? The reality that she describes as a fiasco is, in fact, that the majority of the world’s trade does not rely upon the EU, but on global trade.

If one puts Project Fear to one side, the opportunities for us are immense, and can give us a far brighter future than as a “little England”, subservient to the diktats of our masters in the EU.

The Lib Dems show - as always - their contempt for the “just-about managing” (jams), and will, as usual, deserve their comeuppance in the next general election.

J David Wright, Old Malton

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Get off the fence

IN April, the Government scrapped subsidies for the installation of domestic solar panels, causing new solar capacity to fall from 79MW in March to only 5MW last month.

This puts at risk the target recommended by the Committee on Climate Change for the UK to create a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.

The cut was made despite last month’s declaration by Parliament of an environment and climate emergency.

Moreover, recent polling shows that three-quarters of adults in the UK see climate change as the biggest crisis facing humanity, with 68 per cent supporting the movement for a green deal.

It might appear that our local MP Kevin Hollinrake is also on our side, as he has signed the green pledge, committed to “reducing greenhouse gas emissions”, promoting “ecological gains for the benefit of the public” and “investment in clean technologies”.

However, I think it’s high time he came off the fence, condemned the axing of solar subsidies, and explained to his constituents how he manages to square his green pledge with his active support for fracking.

Dr Peter Williams, Malton

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Celebrate trust

THIS Father’s Day, on June 16, I will celebrate every second with my sons Arthur, Marcel and Eddie, because I know how lucky I am.

In 2017, my family’s hopes and dreams were blown away when Arthur, then eight, was diagnosed with leukaemia. Ordinary life disappeared in a flash. Suddenly we had to find a “new normal”. We could only plan for the next five minutes, the next step, the next test or the next hospital procedure.

This experience, however, changed us for the better. We have met so many amazing people, including Janet, our Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker, who has been an essential part of Arthur’s recovery.

Supporting the whole family through highs and lows, we could not imagine coping without her. She took away the worry about getting to hospital appointments, she entertained Arthur while we discussed treatments with consultants, and took Eddie to fun hospital activities.

We have lost some courageous children along the way, so we celebrate everything now, including Arthur’s “end of treatment bell” anniversary. We are really grateful that he’s had what feels like a second chance.

Join us by celebrating Rainbow Trust this Father’s Day and visit rainbowtrust.org.uk to find out more or make a donation.

Roy Styles, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity

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Thanks for support

I WANT to thank every person in North Yorkshire who joined the conversation for Dementia Action Week this year (May 20-26).

The week united workplaces, schools and communities to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia. We all have a role to play in making North Yorkshire a dementia-friendly place to live and that’s what Dementia Action Week was all about.

Starting a conversation is just the beginning. Help us beat dementia by taking part in Cupcake Day on June 13. Whether you bake it or fake it, you can sign up at cupcakeday.alzheimers.org.uk.

Linda Haggie, area manager for North Yorkshire, Alzheimer’s Society, York