Letters - September 12, 2017

I support the banning of supermarket plastic bags – I always keep a supply of reusables in the boot!

However, I would also include the ‘charity’ plastic bags pushed through letterboxes at very regular intervals with junk mail.

During 2016, I counted the charity bags (how sad is that?) and we were the recipients of 55 such bags, 11 of which were from the same charity.

These comprise a large sack which is probably the equivalent of three carrier bags, each contained in a small plastic envelope which is only any good for sending to landfill.

In order to do my bit for the environment, I put them on a shelf in the garage and have more than 100.

Sometime I will need to dispose of them.

I would suggest these are much more of a problem to the future of the planet than plastic carrier bags and should also be banned.

Eric Daines

Address supplied

HEALTH

It’s not on to miss GP appointment

On a recent visit to my GP, a display sign alerted me to the fact that, during the month of August, 62 patients did not arrive for their appointments.

The adjacent practice sustained 142 failures to attend during the same month.

These are unacceptable and quite disgraceful statistics when one considers just how the NHS resources are being stretched to the limit and, when one realises that my practice sends a text reminder in advance of their appointment, there is no excuse for patients.

Non-attendance contributes to the delay genuine patients have to wait to see their doctor.

A quick research online has revealed that it is a major national issue and six million GP and hospital appointment slots are wasted annually, costing the NHS £1bn.

This relates to the cost of running three medium-sized hospitals.

Apart from the worrying aspect that some wayward patients must be risking their lives by their non- attendance, surely it is time that consideration be given to imposing a financial penalty on those responsible.

Jim Oldcorn

Address supplied

ENVIRONMENT

Rats facing housing issues

The predicted rat invasion into our homes, envisaged by some experts, missed out an important factor.

This is the current forest of vegetation festooning our roadside channels and pavements, providing ideal nesting grounds.

Should these rodents be trained to adopt an entirely vegetarian diet, the weeding programme by the council, (which has yet to emerge), may be dispensed with.

I realise this would then reduce our chances of winning the Britain in Bloom competition, for which currently we must be firm  favourites.

Denis Lee

Ashton

CONSUMER

Bank customers should come first

During my career in the Forestry Commission, I and my wife lived in several remote places, with the nearest banks 16 or more miles away and no public transport.

Sometimes the local pub would cash a cheque for folk they knew well.

It was my choice of career. But we were young and fit then.

Now, well into retirement, I can only drive in the relative proximity of my village to access services.

This is an increasing problem for many  people – of all ages and capabilities.

Many older folk are not IT literate and are frightened of IT equipment, and may no longer have folk to help them.

Thus the continuing need for friendly, smiling, helpful, over-the-counter bank staff.

It is time the banks remembered they are a service industry– a service to the customer first.

RJA Ayre

Address supplied

CHARITY

Many thanks for fundraising help

On behalf of everyone at N-Vision and The Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre Society for the Blind, we would like to thank Tesco, Cleveleys for allowing us to hold a bucket collection there on Friday.

Their customers were very generous and £175 was raised.

Thank you also to our team of fundraising volunteers who stood with the buckets throughout the day.

Everyone’s support is very much appreciated and enables us to continue to offer the many vital services we do throughout the local area.

Julie Barlow

N-Vision