Letters - May 24, 2017

Now we hear Blackpool Supporters’ Trust (BST) won’t be at Wembley because of the boycott in the hope of the Oyston family selling up and moving out.

Of all the times that we might all get together – rather like the Christmas day soccer game at Ypres in the First World War between warring German and British soldiers – this Wembley day is surely it.

The team have excelled themselves and deserve total support and encouragement from us all. One more match and we are promoted – surely every fan wants that.

From this day may come new beginnings. The Oystons need to use this “Wembley moment” as well, in order to find a new way forward and cancel all the court nonsense.

But please, please, please, BST for one day bury the hatchet and give the team at Wembley a rousing appreciation of their achievement. Let Gary Bowyer, his staff and players sample the huge ‘tangerine army’, something they haven’t witnessed all season. Come on BST, swallow your pride as an act of gracious appreciation to Your beloved football team. For surely we want to be there. One match attendance at Wembley will not damage your cause, rather it will show your magnanimity.

Coventry city a few weeks ago went to Wembley, with all their problems with owners, ground closure and cash flow, 40,000 fans turned up. Leyton Orient fans came in force to Bloomfield Road for their last game in the football league.

Both those matches proved a huge encouragement to the teams despite all their 
off-field issues.

Dick Cartmel

Via email

FRACKING

Where is Mark 
Menzies?

Residents Action on Fylde Fracking (RAFF), together with other groups, hosts a weekly Solidarity Saturday event at Maple Farm on Preston New Road. These family-friendly events are for the benefit of the community to come along and chat about developments at the Preston New Road site, discover more about fracking, etc in a friendly environment, all over a cup of tea and cake.

With an election looming, fracking is on the minds of most Fylde residents so Solidarity Saturdays should provide an ideal opportunity for people to discuss any concerns with their Parliamentary Candidates. We have been delighted to welcome both the Green and Labour Party candidates, Tina Louise Rothery and Jed Sullivan, both of whom have spent time listening to constituents’ concerns. A glaring omission has been the non-appearance of our MP Mark Menzies.

A personal invitation was sent to him to attend any Saturday at his convenience. This was refused with the comment that he ‘will not attend this event’.

Why not? Why the lack of interaction with his constituents?

Doesn’t he care – it would appear not.

Pam Foster

Residents Action on Fylde Fracking

APPEAL

Help for MS now harder to access

As a person who has lived with MS for 20 years, disability benefits are vital in helping me to live a full and independent life. But recent changes to the benefits system have made it more difficult for me to access support.

I started receiving disability benefits soon after I was diagnosed with MS in 1997. Last year I was asked to apply for Personal Independence Payment, the new benefit that has replaced Disability Living Allowance. The lengthy process caused a great deal of stress and my health suffered as a result. I was hugely relieved to not lose out on any support, but I know many others with MS who haven’t been as lucky.

There are more than 13 million disabled people in the UK. On average, we spend an extra £550 a month more on living costs because of our conditions. Living with MS is hard enough. It shouldn’t be made harder by a welfare system that doesn’t make sense.

I want to be able to rely on support without the constant fear of having it taken away. That’s why I’ve signed an open letter to the party leaders, asking for their commitment to protect disability benefits from further cuts. You can show your support too by signing the letter at mssoc.uk/13millionlives

Jean Almond

Address supplied

HEALTH

I agree with Harry on excellent Ward 16

I would just like to reiterate what Harry Clark said about all staff on Ward 16 after his Hip Replacement recently (The Gazette, May 17).

I was in the next bed to Harry after having a knee replacement and the staff were friendly and helpful and very understanding under the circumstances.

Nothing too much trouble,nice when you can have a laugh with them.

Let’s hope that joe public realise what a great service we have in the NHS and hope the Government do not privatise it.

Mick Gowens

Riversleigh Avenue
North Shore