‘Free trade’. It’s a deceptively simple-sounding phrase for a concept that often underlies many conflicts and flashpoints, large and small – including the current campaign to get a new cafe opened in Otley to replace the much-loved Dunnies.

On one level it is simply the principle underpinning the economic model we, and many other countries, have become so reliant on – a principle that decrees that the market, and laws of supply and demand, are king. Its proponents will point to the fact that it has successfully minimised the amount of ‘state interference’ in business and ended the perpetuation of uncompetitive, subsidised nationalised industries. Of course the downsides are easy to spot too – trade without any rules can quickly deteriorate into devastating economic crashes and the very opposite of fair trade, where the scope for exploitation and injustice is huge. It doesn’t take much effort to see the closure of Dunnies, and the campaign against it, as a microcosm of the bigger debate.

On the one hand it was simply one small business among millions that the dictates of the free market deemed – its owners wanted to sell and developers wanted to demolish it to create a care home – had had its time. End of story.

Except the people who actually live in Otley, and form its community, had very different ideas.

To them the cafe was more than just another enterprise taking its chances in a cut-throat, no-holds-barred economic game – it was, in the words of resident Ian Adamson, “a very special place” where generations of local people had enjoyed meeting since 1925. So it is no surprise to see people flocking to back Ian’s petition in support of MP Greg Mulholland’s bid to get a replacement cafe opened nearby. Gladman Care Homes can show that ‘responsible capitalism’ is more than just a political soundbite, by giving serious thought to the suggestion. That would also go a long way to ensuring they, like Dunnies, come to be seen as a valued part of the town and not ‘just another business.’

Kicking up a stink in Yeadon

Anyone who regularly drives through Yeadon will be only too aware of the overwhelmingly noxious smell at certain times of the year.

It’s not unusual to see motorists quickly winding up their windows when the awful stench hits their nostrils. Imagine then what it must be like for people who live in Yeadon and the surrounding area for whom there can be no escape from the stink, which can go on for days at a time.

Residents say the Easter break was ruined by the smell and they are appealing for help to bring the problem under control. One local woman, Christine Schofield, described how the potent stink impacted on normal life –making it impossible to enjoy normal bank holiday activities such as walking in the countryside, sitting out in the fresh air or gardening. She said even hanging out washing or sleeping with the window open became impossible for anyone with the slightest sense of smell.

Mrs Schofield argues that there must be a way to stop the stench – perhaps even a human rights law on enjoyment of fresh air. On the face of it the problem could well appear to be trivial – but anyone who has experienced the slurry-like stench will know how bad it is. It’s difficult to cope with the smell even when passing through or making a brief visit – it must be absolutely intolerable for residents who endure it for prolonged stretches.