No town is better served by station
APRIL 1 seems to have come early this year, and is indeed turning into a nightmare from which, it seems, the people of Northampton will never wake.
I refer, of course, to the horror of the bus station “April Fool”, which, if it was not so tragic, would be comical. Utter madness it certainly is.
There can be no town better served already by its bus station. Purpose-built, spacious, logically laid-out, entirely under cover and so close to the town centre that a very short indoor walk brings shoppers into a major supermarket and an entire indoor shopping centre.
As some of the premises here are vacant, with others soon to be so, and with very many empty lots in the town’s other indoor shopping centres, there is clearly no need for any more shopping space of this sort. Retail is shrinking in the town, not growing.
The reprehensible neglect of the bus station is rectifiable cheaply and easily by some cleaning, a few coats of paint and extra lighting if so desired. This is the logical, sane and sensible way to proceed and is clearly the wish of the majority of Northampton people. The democratic way.
Meanwhile, in Sheep Street, there is one of the few architectural gems left in the town, the 1930s Fishmarket, an interesting building on a small but more remote site which, with a little application of imagination, could be brought to life with a series of low-rental individual shops.
To even think that there could be room on this site to safely drive even two or three buses around, let alone fit an entire bus station on it, is a fantasy beyond belief. Several bus drivers have pointed out what should be clear to even this council, that there simply isn’t the room.
Among the projected, profligate squandering of public money are the vast sums that would have to be paid to the Stagecoach bus company as compensation for the inconvenience and losses.
So why is it that our elected representatives are so determined to irresponsibly and extravagantly defy the public wish? What part is played by the WNDC, a terrifyingly omnipotent unelected organisation?
Something must be driving these people . . . I wonder what it is?
Adrian Bell,
Hardingstone Lane, Hardingstone.
Demolition is an abomination
FURTHER to the article in the Chronicle & Echo (January 30) Bus groups plea for a salubrious shelter, pulling down the current bus station and replacing it with “The Thing” – the only name that could be given to the eyesore artists’ impression that is to replace it – is an abomination.
If this is what they call regeneration, Lord help us. The design is not in keeping with anything in Northampton. It wouldn’t look out of place on Mars the planet nor the chocolate bar!
If there is need to expand the Grosvenor Centre, do it in the unused buildings above the bus station.
Renovate the existing Greyfriars, have uniformed security guards to patrol the underpasses. And please exterminate the elevator voice with its safety announcement!
V Graham-Hole,
Elgin Street,
St James, Northampton.
Many people there to protest
I find Andrea Leadsom’s comments on last summer’s riots quite offensive (Chron, February 1). She wrongly tars all with the same brush by saying it was “simply selfish oportunism.”
The media and politicians revelled in pointing that out, completely failing to acknowledge that many were also there with legitimate reason to protest.
The stupid vandals and thieves interviewed for primetime news conveniently discredited the real political cause.
Anyway, some of those selfish opportunists are probably a product of the capitalistic greed culture that has been encouraged since the Thatcher years.
Perhaps Andrea Leadsom should look at many of her own party’s policies for contributing to a greedy and selfish society.
Her government’s policies have taken away all hope for young generations with extortionate tuition fees making education only affordable to the rich, and also little hope of a job.
Because profit is put before all else, many companies are not interested in the time and expense of providing training for young people. It’s cheaper to hire already trained labour from overseas.
I don’t understand the shock and surprise when some rioters were seen looting as they have been set an example by a system based on greed and corruption.
This system run by MPs, some of whom have no qualms about looting the public purse, and bankers and corporate bosses who reward themselves handsomely for failure while the 99 per cent stare poverty in the face.
Andrea Leadsom even admits that social disparity and deprivation are the root of the problem, so instead of cutting jobs, cutting and privatising services and condemning the young generation to an unemployed scrapheap, why doesn’t her government do their job by putting the social needs of the people before corporate greed and short-term profit?
Shaun Walton,
Smitherway, Bugbrooke.
A celebration for centenary
Far Cotton Residents’ Association are hosting a fun day called “Centenary Celebrations” in September 2012.
The main aim of the event is to celebrate 100 years of Far Cotton Recreation Ground (The Rec) and its recently obtained “Town Green” status.
The park was first donated to the people of Far Cotton and Northampton in 1912 by the last private owner of the 900-year-old Delapre Abbey, Miss Bouverie.
In 2012 it is also the 15th anniversary of the 1998 floods and 60 years of Queen Eleanor School on the parkland.
To acknowledge these historic events we would like to;
1) Provide a fun and educational day filled with many free activities such as a bouncy castle, climbing wall, clowns, magicians, arts and craft making and many other stalls/tables.
2) We also plan to promote health and well-being, Fire safety and local police issues. Local schools will also be taking part.
3) The day will also see many local artists, performers and music groups showcasing their skills and talents.
Planning for the fun day is still in its early stages.
Now is the time for you and or your group to show an interest. You can be involved in the fun day as much as you like.
You can be on the event working group, and help to organise the fun day or just have a stall, table or a time slot on the stage and provide a performance, on the day.
One other idea is all the artists taken part could be entered into an art/arts & craft competition.
A meeting is planned for February 23 for all interested groups/individuals to get together for a chat and further planning. If you or your group want to take part at any level could you please let me know and I’ll send you venue information for the meeting.
Daniel Jwanczuk,
Vice-chairman,
Far Cotton Residents’ Association,
Northampton.
Stay could not have been better
I have just had my third visit to the Centre for Elderly Medicine at Northampton General and on arrival at reception to my time on the unit having an infusion, the team of nurses, auxiliary and volunteers run by a brilliant Sister in charge were marvellous and they all make you feel at ease and comfortable. I cannot thank them enough and I also had short stays on Willow ward and the staff on there were great both night and day. Staff could not do enough for you and the meals were perfect and could match any restaurant. Thank you all.
Roger Taylor,
Walnut Grove,
Taylor Avenue, Northampton.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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