Muzzle dogs for their own safety
I am writing in response to the article in the Chronicle (February 14) about the dog swallowing cannabis.
While the story is shocking, I am not surprised. The items that are being discarded in parks and even on pavements pose a threat to all dogs walking past.
I nearly lost my dog a number of years ago to campylobacter (food poisoning) after finding what I think was an old cream cake and virtually inhaling it before I could get anywhere near him. A few weeks and several hundred pounds later he pulled through and ever since I have muzzled him whenever we go out, for his safety and my peace of mind. It’s true that everyone looks at him thinking he is vicious or dangerous when in fact the opposite is true. Often people ask why he is muzzled and I tell them my story. My case was a simple cake, let alone drugs and worst still the rumours that have recently circulated about nails inside lumps of cheese and ham. A dog is inquisitive by nature, why take the risk? Muzzle up.
Tina Mason,
Kingsley, Northampton.
Give vouchers instead of cash
THE winter has arrived now with very cold weather, snow and ice. For all people the fuel bills to keep the family warm have gone up vastly during the last few years. For pensioners they get the winter fuel payment which is a very good help. However I know many pensioners who when they get their payout in December, spend it on their grandchildren’s presents for Christmas and also for other things. Then some find it hard to pay the bills when they come, for the money has gone elsewhere.
I know it their own fault if they waste it, but surely the best way to make sure the money goes on what is intended is to send either electric or gas vouchers, which can be used to pay the bill? They could have the person’s name on the vouchers so when paying the bill the name matches. Then nobody can give them to anyone else. I bet some would prefer this way anyway for it would stop the urge to spend it on other things.
It would be interesting, how many others agree with me, for surely it is best to be used for the fuel bills and not just a cash bonus?
Dave Richards,
Lower Thrift Street, Northampton.
Stop jumping on bandwagon
Having for many years been a work colleague of Councillor Les Marriot, I found it most disturbing a few days ago, to find he wholeheartedly supports the destruction of the bus station.
While I was in employment, I spent many years driving around the area and at that time had no use of the bus station, thinking it to be an ugly useless place.
Now in retirement and in possession of my bus pass, I now find what a convenience it actually is (although neglected and uncared for).
I have also visited other facilities around the world and none are as convenient as ours.
On a recent visit to Tenerife, we passed through a terminus, just like the one the council are proposing. It was quite suitable in their warm climate, with less bus traffic but certainly will be of no benefit here.
It is my impression that none of our councillors or planners actually use the bus station, or even spend any time in there to monitor the actual amount of traffic that it copes with.
Many times buses have to go round again as their dedicated stand is still occupied!
Will the proposed terminus be able to cope with this traffic? I can see there will be permanent gridlock in the area and total chaos.
Surely it is possible to just demolish the offices and car park above Greyfriars, and then develop that area, if there really is a need for more shops.
When I do visit the town centre, instead of just passing through, I find it very hard to find anything I would wish to purchase and carry home.
Anything of interest can be bought much more conveniently in most of the out of town locations where parking is free and suitably located for transporting any shopping etc.
It really is time for all of these people who should be looking after our interests to doing so and not just jumping onto the bandwagon, so they can say “look what we have given you” and then fade into oblivion when it is found to be a total failure.
John Rundle,
Balfour Road, Northampton.
Build station near railway
I HAVE read in your newspaper about proposals for a new bus station. Even though I don’t live in Northampton, would you allow me to comment?
A new bus station should be at the railway station, where space could be made available, and a new transport hub created. A shuttle bus service could be introduced to serve the shopping centre.
Northampton Council should think again. Nobody likes the present bus station, which ought to be demolished. If it is to go, there ought to be a change for the better, with a bonus of integrated transport. European towns and cities have it. Why not Northampton?
A T Moran,
Avon Drive, Bedford.
Turn building into market
IT’S too late now, of course. The deals have been done, the contracts drawn up and someone is set to make a lot of money. But honestly, we don’t need another bus station, the old one is already in the best spot. We don’t need a bigger shopping centre, shopping habits have changed. And wouldn’t the Fishmarket make a lovely indoor market with small units of charm and distinction to complement our other market?
But it’s too late now, it will go the same way as many other Northampton landmarks, under the bulldozer.
Terry L Smith,
Abington Grove, Northampton.
Highest plaudits
THE Masque Theatre Youth Group, on Thursday February 9, once more proved themselves worthy of the highest plaudits for a showcase of monologues, duologues and adapted sketches (covering a range from Godber to Shakespeare and demonstrating the widest range of ages and histrionic ability).
On a bleak winter’s night they procured that “willing suspension of disbelief” which the poet Coleridge described as the “constituent element of dramatic art”.
Congratulations to all concerned and to The University of Northampton for its foresight in hosting this event.
Owen T Warr,
Garrick Road, Abington, Northampton.
Pot calling kettle
The sheer hypocrisy of John Dickie is beyond belief. When his administration decided to revamp the regulations concerning the taxi trade in Northampton he personally addressed a meeting with the drivers and operators and told us there would be full consultation about the changes. The result was of course that no notice was taken of anything said and the regulations were introduced as per the original draft. Pots calling kettles black does not even come close!
Richard Lipscombe,
Homestead Way, Northampton.
Breaking barriers
I AM writing to tell you about my experience of eating at the Manna Langar modern day soup kitchen at the Open Door Centre, Kettering Road, Northampton last Friday.
The welcome from Ifty Choudary, Keith Dragon, T Butt and team was very friendly and the vegetarian food was absolutely lovely and very tasty. The team are giving local residents the chance to share a meal with people with different backgrounds to break down barriers between them.
I would like to thank everyone involved in setting up this fantastic initiative especially in the current climate of austerity.
Happi Singh,
Freehold Street, Northampton.
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