August 4: Expansion: We're just a pushover
When the first major expansion of Northampton was announced in the 1970s and Northampton Development Corporation was set up to oversee it, this paper organised a referendum because, like now, the town's councillors and MPs just rolled over like tame lap dogs to Government demands and refused to oppose expansion with all the power it has at its command.
I have come to the conclusion that Northampton was picked for unpopular expansion because the Government knew our politicians would be a pushover, compared to other towns.
I seem to remember over 90 per cent of people in your referendum were against the imposed expansion. Perhaps the Chronicle & Echo could organise such a referendum again and as a matter of urgency so our politicians can at least appreciate the public despair the latest plans to add another 40,000 house say 180,000 people to this already over-expanded town have caused.
These houses are not wanted for local needs, but as a result of uncontrolled immigration, that as a people we have never voted for, nor want.
Then as alleged democrats our councillors and MPs of all parties might like to represent the majority of Northamptonians' feelings and oppose this hideous expansion with all their might, or at least as energetically as they justify their allowances and expenses.
If they do not, I sincerely hope independent candidates will come forward for all wards and seats to replace the current shower with people prepared to stand up for poor old Northampton and oppose the further destruction of this once pleasant market town.
Roger Kingston for Mayor?
John Wright,
Port Road, Duston, Northampton.
Editor's footnote: What do other readers think of the Government's expansion plans for Northampton? Please keep letters short and to the point.
Charity left out on the street
IN his attack on the Liberal Democrat administration, with regard to the relocation of Shopmobility (Viewpoint, July 28), Conservative group leader David Palethorpe's comments are based on half-truths. The administration has authorised the 90,000 funding to enable Shopmobility to relocate to the Mayorhold; a further 10,000 is being funded from other sources to give them the access to street level that they desire.
Councillor Palethorpe must be anxious to avoid comparisons with his own party's disgraceful past treatment of Northampton Door to Door Service (NDDS), which was to be evicted from its premises and left without a base, courtesy of the Conservatives.
NDDS is a charitable organisation which provides transportation services for townspeople who cannot use public transport.
It was only when the Liberal Democrat administration came to the rescue and provided space at Westbridge Depot, that NDDS enjoyed a return to the security which the Conservatives had taken from it.
When he speaks of the importance of support for the older and vulnerable members of society, Councillor Palethorpe clearly cannot distinguish between concerted efforts to move Shopmobility to a better location – a reflection of the consistent, helpful approach we Liberal Democrats endeavour to provide to such bodies – and the established Conservative approach of leaving similar organisations out on the street.
He also needs reminding that this administration allocated over 1million to fund the disabled facilities grants to clear the backlog his administration left behind.
Councillor David Perkins,
Portfolio Holder for Finance,
Northampton Borough Council.
Centre rents and rates too high
From an outsider’s point of view, it does seem that Northampton Borough Council wants to get rid of the market. The rents are far too high, they have halved the size of the trading area and now there are no early morning toilet facilities.
The market used to be a vibrant hub. I know shopping habits have changed but nothing this council has done recently has encouraged people to shop.
Most of the people I know only go into the town centre if they absolutely have to and get out again as quickly as they can.
I went there today and did not even bother to walk across the bare space to get to the stalls. Having a large selection of stalls encouraged you to walk round.
I was also appalled at the number of empty shops.
Again the council is short-sighted. I was speaking to an ex-shopkeeper who mentioned that they had stopped trading from the town centre because their rates were higher than their mortgage!
Surely it would be better to lower rates than have empty shops, which again discourages shoppers.
Pamela Jackson,
Sarek Park, West Hunsbury, Northampton.
Sort out these blocked rains
How awful to read of two motoring accidents in Thursday’s Chronicle & Echo.
The inquest into Rebecca Taylor’s fatality has searched for an explanation from speed, driving experience and one slightly worn tyre to aquaplaning.
Unfortunately, we can’t teach the young members of our families driving experience but maybe we can make them aware of the changing climatic problems in the UK such as snow, ice and flash flooding which even the most technically advanced motor car can not cope with.
There may be just one preventable factor in Rebecca’s accident and that is the reason for aquaplaning due to flooding, blocked road drains and road surface grip.
Surely, that risk factor can be reduced with more attention to blocked road drains and road surface problems.
An eight-year-old girl was knocked down by a car and suffered serious injuries in, of all places, the Tesco car park at Wellingborough.
There is no way that you can blame an eight-year-old for that sort of accident . . . most adults will have had similar near misses.
The risk factor should be reduced by speed ramps on all car parks.
Tom Sanders,
The Round, Mawsley Village.
Two events to help our heroes
I am planning a musical army-themed, outdoor parade later this year.
All money raised will be split between Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.
If anyone has any spare time to help me organise this parade, please give me a call.
If you feel that you have any military musical skills and wish to join in, please give me a call.
If you would like to help to sell Help for Heroes wristbands, please give me a call.
If you would like to shake buckets for our fallen or our injured troops, please give me a call.
Any other help with our fundraising will be appreciated.
Please also do not forget the Family Run at Abington Park on August 23 at 11am.
The chosen charity is Help for Heroes. The organiser, Chris Rockall, Sports Development Officer with the Northampton Borough Council, is looking for volunteer marshals etc. Go on, help out, give Chris a call at the Guildhall.
Paul Scully,
Secretary, Shipmans Forces Aid,
The Drapery,
Northampton.
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Weather for Northampton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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