Sir, – The road over the moor from Askrigg to Swaledale has been closed since February 26. Diversion signs took me to Gunnerside via Cote de Buttertubs, a journey ten miles longer than my usual route.

I asked a farmer the reason for the diversion and he sighed and said “Just like last summer, when the road was closed for three weeks or so, nothing is happening – no workmen, no action”.

It seems that the company employed to erect diversion signs is a different company from the one contracted to repair the cattle grid. Signs go up but no workmen appear.

Last summer, we locals soon knew about the ridiculous situation, and continued to drive past the ROAD CLOSED signs, but of course visitors had to believe the diversions and drive extra miles.

This time I assumed that at last the work was to be done – but no evidence so far. I phoned the highways department on Friday, March 27, to complain and was told that I would receive a response and explanation “within five working days”. Not a word from them yet.

My single trip to Gunnerside cost an extra 20 miles of petrol, and frustration.

My question is simple. Why cannot the contractors erect their own signs? And take them down again?

SYLVIA CROOKES

Bainbridge, Wensleydale.