Sir, – Having lost the listed trees in Thirsk market place as a result of a decision which no-one seems to have been responsible for, we now face Blakey Lane bridge being closed for the foreseeable future.

For many years and with substantial outlay of taxpayer`s money, the county council has failed to solve the problem of oversized commercial and agricultural vehicles damaging the bridge.

It is likely that the damage to the bridge wall, while superficially impressive will turn out to have no structural implications for the bridge structure, however, the council has closed the bridge and is proposing to leave it closed over an extended period covering a proposed long term closure arising from road work associated with the unwanted Sowerby Gateway development.

It is not apparent why any of these works should require a significant closure of Blakey Lane, nor why the bridge cannot remain open to light traffic using temporary barriers. The invoking of health and safety is just a blind to excuse questionable decisions and inactivity.

Incidentally, I understand that very substantial pay rises have been awarded to some senior council employees. By who I wonder? Can it be true as it appears to be that they effectively write their own pay cheques?

CHRIS WRIGHT

Long Street, Thirsk.