Sir, –I refer to A Jones of Bedale’s letter (D&S, Jan 21), who worries about where to shop as he can’t get to Northallerton due to traffic light queues and the imminent closure of Morton on Swale Bridge.

Can I recommend that he and others in this dilemma turn up the dale to the splendid town of Leyburn. After a surprisingly successful winter trading time, there is a wide range of shops and tea rooms and restaurants, including the quality supermarket of Campbells, which gives Lewis and Cooper a good run for their money, and if you can’t find what you are looking for elsewhere, you will probably get it at Wrays, which sells everything from light bulbs to a full dining service. Even better, the car parking in the town centre is still free.

Coun FLEUR BUTLER Ward member for Leyburn, Richmondshire District Council.