I read with interest the letter from T M Rapson ("Writer missed point", Gazette, March 20).
The letter states an objection to inhalation of smoke fumes from others.
Personally, I find that the aroma of a good cigar or pipe tobacco just enhances an evening.
However, I respect the expressed opinion that some people do not enjoy one of – for myself – life's pleasures.
So, why not allow those of us who enjoy it to continue? I am rapidly approaching the age of 74 and have smoked since aged 17.
A very recent lung test and analysis told me that I enjoy 88 per cent lung capacity and have totally clear lungs.
A Fylde publican tells me that on July 1 – when the smoking ban in pubs becomes law – he proposes to have a dozen 6ft paratroopers in his pub, fully clothed in their military uniforms with medals awarded for their services in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.
They will all have full packs of cigarettes, and be smoking.
He states that he will have a sign outside his pub, reading: 'Non smokers not allowed on these premises.'
Are we English, or not? Magna Carta
established a number of things which Mr Blair and Brussels have continuously altered to pander to the wimps in local society.
There should obviously be public places in which smokers are welcome and also places where clients cannot enjoy the aroma of a good cigar.
I note that the French and Spaniards totally
ignore their own 'no smoking' regulations.
I am intrigued to know how our local police authorities will endeavour to enforce such a regulation.
Personally, I will be standing firmly
alongside the members of the paratroop
regiment on July 1.
L Booth
Lytham

Now's time to stop workshy wasting our money
IT IS about time the public
realise just how much money this Government – and also those in the past – have wasted.
I work for the Government and see people receiving benefits for years: Free from paying council tax, free from paying rent and free to live in houses paid for by other hard-working people.
They are committing fraud with no serious action as a result.
Some people have large families and enjoy constant handouts.
Many don't work but continue to have more children and probably will never work. They will later
receive a state pension and
everyone is too scared to say
anything as this would apparently be politically incorrect and against their human rights.
If they want to save money, then perhaps we should adopt a new system which offers benefits for only six months, reducing slowly over 12 months to nothing.
This would give a clear signal that no matter what job is out there, you take it. If you don't, you receive nothing – like in other countries.
Blackpool could save money by restricting housing benefits to
residents who can prove they have lived in the town for 10 years,
instead of non-locals claiming local taxpayers' money and
residing in Blackpool with no job and, often, no address. I see this daily.
We need to stop paying out
billions of pounds to people with no motivation – they know they can get more weekly benefits than most people get for a long hard working week.
Come on everyone, it's time to open your eyes.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Irresponsible dog owners
I have just been for a walk with my dog.
I always clean up after her,
taking paper and a bag (as a lot of responsible dog owners do).
I bring it home and bin it but I'm amazed at the number of dog owners who clean up after their dogs and then throw the plastic bag with dog mess inside just anywhere.
This is sheer laziness. What's the point of cleaning it up?
Where I have just walked – at the back of Moorgate – bags of dog dirt have been left in trees, grass verges and roadsides.
It really upsets me and gives dog owners a bad name.
Apparently, it takes up to 25 years for a plastic bag to rot down but just a few minutes to bin it.
Name and address supplied
'Foul' play will ruin new prom
Twenty-four hours after the new front section of Cleveleys prom was opened, we walked along admiring the transformation, but we weren't very
impressed by the dog mess we saw.
Dog owners should take more pride in their surroundings. Put plenty of bins on the front, it may remind the dog owners to clear up after their animals.
Mrs M Bromell
Ringway, Cleveleys
Not in the pink over recycling
Blackpool Council has set up a plastic bag clothes and shoes
recycling service with a Mr Cohen.
Four weeks ago, I put out a pink plastic bag with a few items for Mr Cohen. The replacement bag he left blew away.
So two weeks ago, I left a white one alongside our recycle bins with a clearly to be seen sweater showing at the top. The blue van (Mr Cohen's) drove straight past .
When I phoned, they said they only took pink bags because people had complained they'd taken bags meant for other people. I was promised three replacement pink bags. A week or so later – still no bags.
Twice I've phoned and got more promises. I'll not waste any more time and money but take it to a charity that benefits people.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED