Letters - September 14, 2016

Fleetwood gave its last breath as Pandoro left to go to Heysham, which got its link road as a consequence. They led us all into a cul de sac of congestion and decline.

Councillors enacted a policy of managed failure, built upon a parochial contrariness that in turn was driven by contempt for public opinion.

Since then, Wyre Council has allowed hundreds of houses to be built. Their failure to produce a timely area plan has opened the flood gates for developers to target Thornton and Poulton.

Will this new offering work? Yes, but only half-work, at best. Without any improvements to the north of the River Wyre hotel up to the Morrison’s roundabout and the remainder of the road between Windy Harbour and the motorway, it will be only a job half-done.

This raises a fundamental question: What is this relief road about? It’s about ‘investment’, which means thousands more houses south of Poulton and Thornton and not getting a comprehensive transport solution.

The worst thing is we are still stuck with the same councils and key councillors, who cost us the A585 solution over a decade ago. So history could be repeated and the tax-paying public loses again.

David Power

Fleetwood Road North

Thornton

TRANSPORT

We need bus station, not tram extension

Blackpool councillors who chose to support the extension to the tram network without addressing impact on local further transport chaos would do well to look at recent comments by an Edinburgh councillor of 40 years.

Eric Milligan, ex-Edinburgh provost, says he now wishes the city’s tram project had never happened. Concerns about delays, redesign, delivery, governance and management were serious issues that, with hindsight, led him to believe the scheme should not have gone ahead.

Given Blackpool Transport involvement and their failure to keep even buses to time, a bus station is clearly a priority, not a tramway extension closing businesses and creating traffic jams. Get rid of the Talbot Road roundabouts and finally give Blackpool back a bus station.

Ian Hargreaves

Blackpool Road North

St Annes

SHOPPING

Where have all the cars come from?

Please can someone tell me as to why the Teanlowe car park in Poulton is full all day every day, when the shops and streets are virtually deserted?

I know that since the new Booths opened there are three hours’ free parking, but surely this scheme isn’t working?

I, like many others, am shopping elsewhere as it is impossible to find a space to park.

Can someone please enlighten me?

Name and address supplied

ENTERTAINMENT

Thanks to all who support live music

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and fellow musicians through the summer with our live music in St John’s Square. This Sunday, September 18, will be our final performance this year.

Over the past two summers we have made collections on behalf of Trinity Hospice and provided Blackpool town centre with a metropolitan vibe of music. Including the two jazz and blues festivals, the musicians have raised a running total of almost £7,000 for Trinity Hospice.

The various guest musicians have ranged from Blackpool and Fylde college music students, working professionals and semi-retired stalwarts. They have all donated their time and talents free of charge to support these summer live music events. I’m particularly proud of young aspiring talented guitarists Ally Pickering and Jake Johnson. They have both gained valuable performance experience over the past few years. Ally, 19, is now studying jazz and composition at The Conservatoire of Amsterdam and Jake, 18, is now studying at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London.

Every cloud has a silver lining. The parking tickets I received last year while performing in St John’s Square caused controversy. In hindsight this debacle gained myself and the musicians priceless publicity. We benefited from public support and gained respect for our voluntary endeavours, which is something money can’t buy.

Our final performance in St John’s Square is next Sunday from noon to 4pm. Our aim is to support Trinity Hospice and keep music live and promote aspiring talent.

Stephen Pierre & Guest Musicians

via email

CARE

We must improve our attitude to care

It is a disgrace that thousands of housebound older and disabled people reliant on care in our region have visits from carers who stay for just 15 minutes or less.

These are among the most vulnerable in our society, yet their meals, medication and personal care are squeezed into a matter of minutes by councils in the north west, according to an investigation by Granada Reports.

The Care Act was introduced to change the way care is provided to those who need it most. A fundamental part of the Act is the ‘principle of wellbeing’, which promotes greater dignity and independence. People who feel they are receiving poor care should always challenge the decision. Anyone who struggles to do this themselves can seek help from an advocate, which authorities are obliged to appoint.

The Care Act empowers vulnerable people to direct how they receive support and it is important councils take this into account when deciding care plans, which takes longer than 15 minutes.

Richard Copson

Disability rights lawyer, Slater and Gordon