Letters - October 11, 2016

Just to explain, I am a full-time carer for my wife. I am 75 and she is 72. In 2014 she underwent a hip replacement and finished up with a drop foot. Not only that but she acquired an almighty ulcer on the heel of the drop foot.

I have been caring for her since then, having to lift her when she falls, pushing her about in a wheelchair and doing literally everything for her. All this has now taken its toll on myself and in May this year I was diagnosed needing a Verso reverse shoulder replacement.

I was advised not to wait but to contact social services and put in place care for the two of us after my op. This I did and was registered with the social, and I again contacted them in July to let them know that my op would be on August 8 2016. I was told at this point not to worry and that I was on the “priority list”.

However, when I came home after my op I contacted them to find out when we would start to get some care for the two of us. I was then told that I was not registered and nothing could be done until we have a social worker. When I enquired how long this would be, I was told “when one is available”.

This letter is exactly two months after my op and we still have no social worker, just promises. Are we just expected to fend for ourselves and possibly die, or is there some logical reason why we are being so neglected? Are we alone on this or are other folk being treated so abominably as well? Should it now be called the Unsocial Service?

Joe Sadler

via email

ENERGY

Fracking improves future for youth

Now the decision has finally been made by government to allow horizontal fracking in Lancashire. I wish to reiterate my steadfast support.

Our government has now given opportunities for young people of obtaining quality employment in Lancashire and beyond. Be it through graduate entry or through apprenticeships, in the many fields of the industry not only drilling. Those opportunities in an area where the young job seekers have long been deprived.

We now await for those employment opportunities to materialise through Cuadrilla and the satellite industries connected with the technology of natural gas production.

We have now, not only the employment possibilities for our younger generation but also a safeguard of our national energy supply for the future.

Stuart Sykes

Chairman/Trustee

Windmill Youth Development Group

Blackpool

ENERGY`

It is possible to have energy and tourism

Looking at the debate regarding fracking and the objections raised, whilst these are quite understandable, I would like to make a couple of points on the matter.

In Dorset we have Europe’s largest oilfield, producing 25,000 barrels per day and operational since 1979.

In Poole Harbour is Furzey Island, where there are 22 oil wells working 24/7. Poole Harbour is an area of international importance, with three nature reserves and has one of the few remaining colonies of red squirrels in Britain.

I agree we need much more expenditure on “free” energy (solar etc) but, in the meantime Britain needs energy. I suggest that your readers Google Wytch farm oil, Kimmeridge oil and Poole Harbour. to get perspective on the matter.

Tourists and locals alike are mostly unaware oil production is carried out here.

Michael Cook

Dorset

ENERGY

We won’t feel the benefit of fracking

Governments rarely do anything to obstruct big business profits.

Cuadrilla insists that, when it comes to widespread fracking operations,it will generate thousands of jobs.When did a transnational corporation intent on blighting the environment not claim that its plans would create high employment levels?

And just when did their forecast and pledges come true? Latest research indicates that a year-long jobs spurt would ebb away, resulting in a net increase below 200 only.

Prime Minister May’s decision to buy-off affected communities with £10,000 to £20,000 is a one-off bribe for suffering pollution,poor health and possible earth quakes, while fracking company shareholders enjoy the benefits.

Governments always have funds available to do the bidding of big business, but never enough to invest in real alternatives to fossil fuel. Withdrawing, reducing or means-testing subsidies payable for installation of solar panels, loft and wall insolation and renewable research, and a refusal to prioritise renewables, as Germany and other countries have done, mean objections to fracking and other dirty alternatives are met with insistence that they are the only alternatives to the lights going out.

We must reject such blackmail and insist on a new environmentally friendly energy policy.

Royston Jones

Anchorsholme

CONTEST

Looking forward to next year’s golfing

I would like to thank everyone at the Gazette for organising the Gazette Matchplay Golf Competition, special thanks to Blacktax and Airport Transfer Group too.

I have played in pro-ams in Portugal and they haven’t been run as well as your tournament. Pencil me in for 2017 please!

Steve Richardson

via email