I am grateful that Dr Jewell has given me the opportunity to correct his letter about Staveley, both past and present (Letters, April 21, ''Village was a miserable spot').

On behalf of Staveley folk, I found his comments at best partial, at worst plain wrong and, if not so ridiculous, quite hurtful.

On what evidence does he describe our village as once being ‘miserable’ and one most ‘rarely stopped in all Christendom?’ He clearly never ate fish and chips here for a start!

That said, it is true that the by-pass had a significant, positive impact. How could it not?

As our dear late neighbour Ruth Bowskill used to say: ‘There’s only room for the quick and the dead in Staveley; if you’re not quick ...’ But communities are not developed overnight or by switching the direction of traffic. Staveley is and always has been a real community with a special mix of residents, businesses and visitors, full of heritage, organisations, events, interests and skills, all set in a beautiful environment.

We have been and are proud to be a working village of real people.

The by-pass, the Mill Yard developments and lots of other activities have simply given us the opportunity to build on this unrivalled spirit handed down over generations and we have no intention of trading this in for a children’s story character, however delightful he is.

That is Staveley and we don’t need exhortations to ‘step up’, thank you.

The most casual glance at our parish website (www.staveleywithings.co.uk) would have confirmed the ambitious plans and activities which we have set ourselves over recent years.

Even now, we are preparing for a wide-ranging look at the shape of Staveley in the future.

Yes, like others, we were knocked by the floods but the spirit and support shown, both at the time and since, demonstrates all that is best in the village.

We don’t apologise for pressing for a far quicker response from Cumbria County Council to restore damaged structures. They have a huge task but need to do better and we suffer when they don’t.

Should our aim be a village, as Dr Jewell suggests, in which ‘we won’t be able to move for tourists?’ No thanks, there are already plenty of those.

Do we want tourists and visitors? Yes, of course, but so that they can experience what we have to offer, enjoy our community mix of real people and trade with us.

As for a park and ride on Kendal Road, well, I really look forward to discussing that with residents there!

Staveley is made up of real people and always has been. It is incredibly special, possibly unique.

It will build on its past as it develops its future.

Arthur Capstick

Chair: Staveley with Ings Parish Council