Sir, I write in regard to your front page article (Herald, 19th April) headlined “Penrith rugby shock as Beaty quits” and to express my personal shock at some of the comments apparently made by Nigel Beaty to your reporter.

Sir, As parents of children attending an outstanding small school in the Eden Valley, we wish to draw the attention of other parents to Cumbria County Council’s recent primary school strategy.

Sir, I live in the village of Melmerby where we have an 11-acre village green. This green is used by locals and visitors alike for recreation which includes walking dogs both on and off the lead.

Sir, Your “The view from a King Street window” columnist (Herald, 12th April) was correct that during the 1974 local government reorganisation the choice of the name Eden was an “inspired” one.

Sir, There are at least eight cogent reasons for setting up a town council for Penrith, viz:

Sir, Not often can we step back and consider how we ended up as we are. But that’s just what a new series for BBC4 is going to do; we are looking for your readers’ help to bring the past to life.

Sir, Nobody has yet put forward a viable argument in favour of electing a town council in Penrith. It must obvious to all but those with vested interests that the town simply does not need this tier of government. As far as I know the town has survived perfectly well since the abolition of the urban council.

Sir, The residents of Penrith should now have received their voting papers in relation to the formation of a town council, and I would like to emphasise to residents how important this matter is and that they express their opinions by sending in their voting papers.

Sir, The poet Rumi wrote: “When you are dead, seek not a resting place in the earth, but in the hearts of men.” Would that someone in the council had considered this before the recent decision to send out letters to various families of people resting in Penrith cemetery, calling attention to the “care” of their loved ones’ graves.

Sir, I also received a letter from Eden District Council regarding the removal of graveside tributes at Penrith cemetery. I found the letter both upsetting and unsettling.