Letters - March 15, 2016

He suggests that we check the earthquake website for details! Where has he been? I myself, with many others, have had letters and articles published in the Gazette within the past two years about the increase in earth tremors around the world attributed to fracking,significantly in Oklahoma, which is now known as the earthquake capital of the world!

Research determined this fact to be due to shale gas, after more companies re-used fracking flowback water, thus increasing the toxic injection of fracking fluids into the sub strata.

There are many facts emerging from the US as fracking companies face court actions for the damage they have inflicted on families living near drilling sites. Only this week, in the town of Dimock in Pennsylvania (which became famous for water contamination caused by fracking), two families won an historic victory against Cabot Oil and Gas, who it were deemed to be responsible for contaminating their water supply. The court ruled the family’s water was contaminated from the company’s fracking activity.

Any town that now has a fracking threat in their neighbourhood owes a large debt of gratitude to the families in Dimock who spoke up about what was happening to them.

The fracking industry PR machine threw everything they had to try to bring these families down, but they persevered for years determined to tell their story before a jury of their peers in court. This victory should serve as a precedent, with the Cuadrilla appeal to be settled soon, we need to be more vigilant of the dangers this industry will bring.

Marjorie Nye

Knowle Avenue

Blackpool

ENTERTAINMENT

Barry’s history held happy memories

We recently read a fascinating history of The Royal Pavilion theatre from the pen of Barry Band (Memory Lane, February 12). For me there was a great deal of nostalgia about it.

I’m now old enough to remember the building as the Alexandra, and saw many films there.

But it was much later, when this lovely building became the Royal Pavilion that I remember best.

At the time I was an original member of Blackpool’s top amateur team, the Green Room Players, and I well recall being approached by the Jack Rose Players’ leading man and producer, Harry Geldard, to appear with the company.

I have never forgotten his reply when I pointed out I was only an amateur: “That’s of no consequence to me, I only believe in good and bad in the theatre.”

After that I had many happy acting hours with Harry and his lovely wife, Margaret Braidwood, and often wonder whether they are still with us.

Neil Kendall

Stamford Avenue

South Shore

ANIMALS

Sentences make the courts look silly

In reply to the appalling case of Sam the Labrador dog (Gazette, March 7) who was battered by burglars while he was trying to protect his property from these scumbags.

What is more sad is when the police catch these scumbags, you get the do-gooders who stick up for them. The courts giving out pathetic sentences making a laughing stock of the law.

P Jones

Anchorsholme Lane

Anchorsholme

TRANSPORT

Landaus are nothing to complain about

There have been a few complaints in the Gazette recently concerning Blackpool’s iconic Landaus, and I would like to add my two-pennyworth.

I’ve lived and worked in the town for some 37 years, a lot of it up and down the prom cabbing, even grazing in the early days.

I can sincerely say that in all that time I never ever saw a pony being abused. They stand patiently at the rank and when they feel passengers climbing in their ears prick up and they come alive, eager for the off.

I lived on a traverse route, and even going home at night they were head up and high stepping, looking forward to a feed and a curry comb.

Over the years, the Landaus developed the knack of proceeding on the prom in a lively manner in a way that kept the traffic flowing.

Why any car drivers would complain about that is beyond me.

The cars are there to proceed steadily and the occupants enjoy the lights. The Landaus are there to get from A to B as quickly as possible, so as to get as many fares in. It’s not in their favour to slow down.

Going around the queue to get to the front and then setting off at a trot, safely, just before the lights change from red gets them away from the traffic a little way.

No driver would ever put his pony at risk, surely the traffic control wizards can see 
this?

As for banning the Landaus on Saturday nights – 25 years ago midweek was busier than Saturdays are now! Were there any problems then?

Mind you, most of the prom in question was four lanes then.... traffic control wizards eh?

Keith Hallam

Cleveleys