Sir, - Am I able to sue Richmondshire District Council for indirect harassment? In a recent circular about voting entitlement, one paragraph stands out: "The open register can be bought and can be used by charities."

Now I know why since January 1, I have received 247 charity envelopes, the majority from organisations I have never heard of. The regularity with which they plop through my door is disheartening. I already donate to 12 or so charities on a fairly regular basis in addition to that which we contribute to through our church giving.

It is indeed heartbreaking that there are so many desperate situations - the blind, the handicapped, horses, lifeboats, donkeys, birds, homeless children, Aids orphans, people with little fresh water; the list is endless, but I cannot give to them all and the time taken to cope with this plethora of envelopes almost makes me want to stop giving altogether and just drop them in the recycling, as I know many people do. But we are rich compared with so many in the world and I am finding that the moral dilemma I am constantly faced with - we often get four or five envelopes with each post from new charities - is getting to me. So, I repeat - can I sue the council for this constant harassment?

DAPHNE CLARKE

Reeth Road, Richmond.