Your article on page 16 of the 1 April Gazette, although of dubious origin, does raise some serious points which should be addressed by Whitby’s tourism chiefs and their mentors at Scarborough Borough Council.

The dog owning fraternity are coming under increasingly venomous attacks from various quarters (who for some reason do not complain so vehemently about vomit deposited on Whitby’s streets by certain parties under cover of darkness).

One reason for this is that there are no facilities for dogs in Whitby and even less if the proposed beach bans come into force.

When a family with a small child visits Whitby, they are not expected to scoop their offspring’s waste products into a plastic bag for disposal at the nearest litter bin.

They can go to the Superloo or the free one in the Market Place to do their business but where can the dog go?

It is time the authorities realised that dedicated facilities should be provided for dogs.

These could take the form of small fenced off areas of grass/earth with a suitable post inserted which would very rapidly become a magnet for dogs at which to relieve themselves.

If placed at suitable strategic locations around town dogs would never be caught short on the pavement/beach or wherever.

No doubt, the dog warden or street cleaners could tidy these dog loos at regular intervals as they do with all the other human debris that needs removing.

Any costs involved would be more than offset by the increase in tourism generated by dog owners as a result of Whitby becoming probably Britain’s first truly dog-friendly town.

From: Joyce Turner, Whitby, via email

MANY congratulations on the really excellent April Fool Day story.

I loved the idea of the pooches’ privy and thought it was absolutely hilarious piece of writing and probably the best one you have done yet though I enjoy them every year.

Thank you for brightening the day.

In another vein, I am thoroughly enjoyed Sydney Barnett’s memoirs.

They really bring back many memories to me such as Professor Twigg and his amazing swimming and diving.

Many thanks to his family for allowing us to share his memories.