MADAM, We live in a beautiful part of the world and we are surrounded by wonderful countryside. I am extremely grateful for our hard working farmers who work day and night, throughout the year, in all weathers, but particularly at the moment as the harvest is gathered in.

This year seems to be a particularly difficult one for them, mainly due to a poor summer, but also due to our financial climate and no doubt as costs continue to rise.

I've lived in Ross for 12 years now and I wonder if it's just me, or are the farm vehicles getting bigger and particularly, getting faster? I admire those who drive seemingly with ease, a tractor and trailer filled with potatoes along certain parts of Alton Rd or Archenfield Rd, say at 8.30am with all the busy school and work traffic.

Of course, due to the layout of Ross, it's totally understandable that farm vehicles as well as buses and lorries have to pass through residential areas. I also understand that as some farms grow, the tractors are covering greater distances and are now able to go faster on our main roads. But as a resident of Ross, I am concerned that at times these vehicles with heavy loads seem to drive very quickly through built up areas.

My fear and worry is that one day there will be a serious accident. I can assure you, it's not a 'have a go at the farmers' letter, but just a plea to ask those that drive, to possibly go a bit slower as they pass homes, our hospital, doctors surgeries, schools, play areas, residential care homes etc. For surely in the urgency of gathering in the harvest, there is nothing more important than human life?

T Shelley, Ross