October 15: How much longer will chaos last?
The roadworks at Kingsthorpe have, quite understandably been the subject of previous articles and correspondence.
However, each morning and evening they continue to cause chaos to those motorists who have no choice but to go through that part of town.
So, some questions please:
n How much longer will this last?
n Why is it that I rarely see workmen on site, and when I do, there are only one or two men present?
n Who is in control of the project and who monitors progress? Do the council have any responsibility (apart from paying)?
n Why is it not possible to work "out of hours"? Surely, given the obvious chaos it is economically justifiable?
n It is not long since major works were previously carried out on this junction. Is there a fundamental weakness in this location?
n Who is the ultimate decision maker? The contractor or the council?
The Kingsthorpe Chaos just renders the town centre that much less attractive an option for business, shopping and recreation. That is why it is vital such disruption should be kept to an absolute minimum.
John Harris,
Cottesbrooke.
Ageism a form of oppression
I find Angela Imbayago's letter of October 10 most disingenuous. She claims that in any controversy people are entitled to their views. But let us remember what she suggested in her original letter.
She implied that those who opposed Alesha Dixon replacing Arlene Phillips as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing were guilty of a race hate crime.
Claiming that everyone is entitled to their views while labelling them race criminals is hypocritical.
I also find Ms Imbayago's view disrespectful as I am confident that many of those who oppose the Strictlydecision also opposed thedropping of Moira Stewart as a news reader on grounds of ageism and sexism.
Racism, sexism and ageism are all important issues and they overlap. To raise one form of oppression above all others will not help us create a fairer and more just society.
Mark Allenby,
Debdale Road,
Northampton.
Tory sums just don't add up
Among the policies unveiled by David Cameron and co at their Conservative conference was one concerning no longer having to sell your house to help pay for old age residential care, etc.
I would imagine anyone thinking about the following policy can clearly see that it would not work.
Conservative proposal: at age 65 upon retirement, pay a "one off" insurance payment of 8,000 and that will pay for any old age residential care required and you will not need to sell your house to meet some of the cost.
Let us imagine the Conservatives win power and adopt this policy straight away. A man or woman retires at 65, pays their 8,000 fee and perhaps requires the old age care at age 70. The money paid might pay for only four months care by that time. Is this realistic? Of course not.
In other words the policy obviously would not work, even if the claim was true that only one in five people might need the care in their old age. If anyone claims it would work, please tell me which insurance company is going to underwrite it?
Does this not show clearly how Cameron and Osborne have virtually no comprehension on a subject they probably knew as “sums”.
David Isherwood,
Northampton (full address supplied by withheld by request).
Great to soak up atmosphere
THE Market Square on Sunday lunchtime was alive with music, art, people, selling, browsing and running for fun.
It was great to be there to be a part of it all, to soak up the happy carefree atmosphere.
Autumn was in the air but one did not notice while the sun shone and it was as though summer remained.
Some of the stallholders unfortunately were not in the same blithe spirit as myself. There is an amount of ironing out to be done before progress can be achieved.
Owing to the fun run it was not the easiest access to the square, a deterrent to would-be buyers.
The group Rowland were good, their excellent performances even better if not half hidden under canvas but centrally on a raised dais.
It all requires hard work, dedication and liaison between all the parties concerned. The stallholders were kind, cheerful and helpful.
In the future perfection may be obtained suiting all tastes. Lee Burrows should soon be making an appearance. Already he is on the prowl if somewhat reluctant to get into the van taking him and his trainer to a meeting at the Guildhall.
I like Fitz’s stall at the top of the market. It is easier to carry the produce from there to the bus station.
Ivy Kirkland,
Woodland Avenue, Overstone.
Military should have a say
RECRUITING the retired Army Chief of Staff to the Conservative Party to act as a military adviser has excited politicians generally and is said not to be in the spirit of the political neutrality of the forces.
I haven’t seen a soldier, sailor or airman in his or her uniform on the streets for years! I cannot understand why. They are there of course, but always in civilian clothes.
It almost seems that they have no place in the public eye, which might explain why they sometimes seem to be forgotten.
Then I remember the troops returning from Afghanistan and marching through Luton streets were jeered at. Can you believe it? There must be something terribly wrong!
The world wars were fought to preserve our liberty and identity. In the heat of battle were the servicemen and women. Forever we have reason to be grateful to them.
Now that the political neutrality of the services has been challenged, let us do away with it altogether and have no restriction whatever!
Let the uniforms be worn again in our midst. The reason why this has not happened before should be challenged, allowing a return and show of pride in those who serve our cause.
Indeed the military should be given a say in our affairs to stiffen the resolution and actions of the state. Leaving everything to the politicians is no good . . . they are weak and self-serving. They have led us into a disastrous situation.
The forces fight for us. Let us, in return fight for them.
John Wright,
North Western Avenue, Kingsthorpe, Northampton.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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