Letters - December 12, 2016

This year, Britain in Bloom groups from Congleton, Elswick, Freckleton, Lytham, Oldham, Southport and Wigan represented the North West with great distinction at the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards – their success reflects well on everyone.

That so many people have given up their time and taken on the challenge of positively transforming their neighbourhoods is testament to their commitment to living in a greener and more pleasant place. I’ve been driven to write this letter to ensure that the amazing contribution they’ve made is acknowledged and celebrated.

Their efforts, not just over this year, but year in, year out, prove that the North West’s community spirit is alive and well. The benefits of the work they do go far beyond the aesthetic, as research and experience have shown that when a community gardens together, civic pride, community spirit and health and happiness levels all increase.

The benefits of gardening and turning grey to green don’t stop there. The work they’ve done has created habitats for wildlife, highlighted the value of the natural world and inspired children to get in touch with nature and learn more about where their food comes from. That all these benefits have been driven by the community is truly tremendous.

With over 560 Britain in Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood groups in the North West, they really are making an enormous difference.

Thank you to each and every one of them for helping to make Britain a cleaner, greener and more beautiful place to live.

Sue Biggs

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Director General

TRANSPORT

Why must we tackle city station’s stairs?

Having had a fall down stairs myself in August, I have every sympathy for Linda Nolan, who fell down steps at Preston station at the end of November (The Gazette, December 1).

She will do well to shake off the after-affects by December 12, when she is due to star in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Charter Theatre in Preston.

That said, I think many Blackpool residents and visitors must often wonder why Preston station has no escalators. Elderly people, or families with small children, or travellers with heavy cases dread using the stairs.

They often have to do this, rather than locate the lift, in order to catch a connection. Those in charge of the station building should seriously consider making rail travel a more pleasant experience by installing escalators.

Preston is, after all, a city and should be up with the best.

Ian Jackson

Park Road

Blackpool

SCOUTING

Happy birthday to all Fylde coast Cubs

2016 is Cubs100, the centenary of the Cub Scout movement, and I’m lucky and proud to be ambassador for their monumental birthday party. December 16 is the 100th birthday and, like the Cubs from Blackpool, I will be renewing my Cub Scout promise.

It’s been an incredible year so far with trips, fundays and camp outs, but the best is yet to come with Cubs 100 birthday parties taking place across the country this week.

For 100 years Cub Scouts have been helping in their communities and this year is no different.

Through our “A Million Hands” project, Cubs in Blackpool and across the Fylde coast have been helping to make their community a better place to live and work.

I would also like to shout out to the volunteers in Blackpool for their dedication each week to giving Cubs the chance to experience big adventures and take part in activities that could be life-changing. Volunteers - we salute you!

During this special week, I would just like to say a big happy birthday to cubs past and present as we look forward to another 100 years of endeavour; learning new skills, having fun and making lifelong friends.

Yours in Scouting,

Steve Backshall

Cubs100 Ambassador

TRANSPORT

Why can’t the tram extend to Lytham?

I have read all the letters about the tram extension for Talbot Road.

Why don’t they extend from Starr Gate up to Lytham Saint Annes for holidaymakers and people who live and work?

Mrs Sindy Onion

Boundary Court

Blackpool

CRIME

We need a better crime deterrent

What deterrents have we which helps to prevent unlawful actions carried out by a great number of our population?

Take gun and knife crimes that have been on the increase.

Look at the recent statistics, the killings of MP Jo Cox, and teacher Ann Maguire and knife attacks that occur in the country today.

We have over 40 per cent of motorists using their mobile phones daily whilst driving, again a crime which is flaunted, with our traffic police being again undermanned and unable to enforce the law.

M Chadderton

via email