Sir, – It’s 10.10 am in Northallerton on New Year’s Day 2015. The High Street is almost deserted; just a few cars parked where people have come down to town for a morning coffee at Costa or Caffe Nero; even Tesco is closed and few shops have bothered opening. The town is at peace, almost as if it is recovering from the hassle, stress and excesses of the last week or ten days. It is a truly contemplative picture of peaceful urbanity at rest.

But wait, what’s that? Something is a stir in South Parade; something menacing and black! A crow perhaps, or a raven from off the Dales? No, it’s a figure dressed in funereal black; the only thing missing is the black crepe. What can it be? And then all becomes clear; it’s our traffic warden out spreading goodwill and traffic tickets to everybody that he can.

It’s not his fault of course; I’m sure he’d rather not be working on New Year’s Day; nobody else is, but obviously his masters in County Hall have dictated that he spread forth his message of enlightenment to all and sundry on this auspicious day when everybody is so busy wishing their fellow men good tidings for the coming year.

Where did these people come from? They didn’t just arrive! They were voted to their elevated positions by us. Once upon a time, local councillors were there to help and assist their residents; their visitors and local businesses; and they were pleased to do so. It was their duty; their remit. What’s gone wrong with this culture?

Well, we all know the cure. Come the next county council elections I’ll not be putting my X against the name of David Blades as my representative; we need a clear out, root and branch to change the culture.

So, let us wish ourselves a very happy New Year and perhaps make a few resolutions whilst doing so.

DAVID J SMITH

Romanby, Northallerton.