Cross boundary penalties on trains

Although I do agree with Mr Beale that the Skipton to Colne line should be reopened, I do feel it may be a so-called "white elephant".

As a regular commuter between Keighley, Manchester, Hebden Bridge and Burnley I know as well as many others how rail companies penalise cross-boundary commuters.

An 18 minute rail journey between Keighley and Shipley will cost around £2 keeping in West Yorkshire but travelling between Hebden Bridge and Burnley would cost around £6.50 for the same duration.

Local commuters would not use the link as it would cross West and North Yorkshire and Lancashire. There is no sense as I can travel to London for £20 return.

Unless reasonable cost could be relied upon I feel most people would still revert to using their cars like me as it is far more cost effective and safer, which is a shame.

So let's get behind the campaign but make sure that a good quality fare is guaranteed.

S clarkson Kenya Mount, Blackhill

Bhutto condolences

Bradford District Faiths Forum would like to offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Benazir Bhutto and to the many other people whose lives were tragically ended on this extremely sad and solemn day.

We pray that their souls find peace and that stability soon returns to Pakistan.

Nasar Fiaz Development Coordinator Bradford District Faiths Forum (BDFF)

Thuggish propagangda

Enjoying my first quiet Christmas in nearly four years I almost forgot what it was like to have some normality in my life, and I must say that it was a rest that I was very much enjoying until I received a spurious package from an organisation calling themselves "The Heretical Press".

The contents of this package can only be described as thuggish propaganda aimed at creating division, and with the exception of a few individuals in Keighley, it is not welcome.

I ask those who have received the same package details, and I know there are many, to put this cheap literature right where it belongs, in the bin.

Christopher Kirby Blackhill Lane, Keighley

Take part in MS survey

Do you have MS? Will you help us improve MS services? Will you take part in the big MS survey?

During January, the MS Trust and the Royal College of Physicians are working together to conduct the biggest ever survey of MS services across England and Wales. We want to see whether services have improved since NICE issued its MS Guidelines in 2003.

If you have MS, please help us reflect your experience in the national picture. The survey will take only 10 minutes to complete - just ring the MS Trust on 01462 476700 or go to www.mstrust.org.uk/survey and let us have your views.

Chris Jones MS Trust, Chief Executive Spirella Building Letchworth, Herts SG6 4ET

Avoiding frosty feuding

Although New Year is meant to be full of fun and merriment, many people find it a stressful time for their relationships.

Research by the Family Mediation Helpline recently revealed that almost a quarter of the population know of someone who has split up at New Year and around 1.8 million couples feared that this Christmas may have been the last straw for their relationships.

The Family Mediation Helpline sees a surge in calls every January from people who have decided to split up with their partners and want to resolve disputes about finances, property and child-care arrangements without battling it out in court.

But separating from a partner is painful for adults and children alike.

If you have split up from your partner and still want to start the year on the right foot, then call the Family Mediation Helpline on 0845 60 26 627 to find out about your options for agreeing those difficult decisions.

Breaking up will always be difficult, but if anyone has decided that their New Year's resolution is to separate from their partner, then they need to make sure that they do it in the right way, otherwise they might find themselves in for some frosty feuding.

Deborah Turner On behalf of the Family Mediation Council

Great festive service

I would like to congratulate the Keighley Bus Museum and their volunteers who ran the free bus service on Christmas Day.

My wife and I have used this service for the last few years. The old buses which are 40 or 50 years old are turned out in such good condition. The volunteers make travellers very welcome, all of which creates a great festive atmosphere. Thanks for a job well done.

ALAN SPEAK Steeton