Letters 
 
4:40pm Thu Mar 11, 2010
These unscrupulous crooks use all sorts of methods to gain entry to victims’ homes and think nothing of taking whatever they can find.
Should owners have to insure their dogs against possible claims?


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eg: Restaurant, School
11:00am Fri Feb 19, 2010
Many people took part in a pancake flipping contest in Newark Market Place on Saturday to raise money for Beaumond House Community Hospice.
Selfish parking leaves parents in lurch
— RUTH RABON, Harewood Avenue, Newark.
I wonder if anyone else has noticed the apparent spread of an affliction to some drivers in our town — that of ‘Invisible Baby Syndrome.’

This condition makes the sufferers imagine they have a baby or child in their car and so are entitled to park in the baby and child spaces, kindly provided by a number of shops in Newark, when in fact they do not have.

On my last three visits to Morrisons I have observed poor sufferers of this condition taking up spaces they should not be using and causing those with genuine need to have to park elsewhere.
Golden voices
— JOHN STEPHENSON, Marton Road, Newark.
It is all too easy to criticise young people based on the behaviour of a small minority.

On Saturday night, at the Palace Theatre, Newark, listening to the wonderful Cantamus Girls’ Choir you realise there are so many talented ambassadors of our young people who deserve to be commended for proving the stereotype wrong.

The evening was a triumph of vocal perfection with a string of pieces that left the audience in awe.
Standard rating
— VIC HALL, Queen Street, Balderton.
With regard to the article, Ratings Rile Councillors (Advertiser, February 19) I would like to ask Newark and Sherwood district councillors how they think the residents feel.

We have a council that is failing to meet the standards we were promised.

And we still don’t have any ground floor, town centre public toilets in Newark.
Cutting costs
— NIGEL STARBUCK, Carnarvon Close, Bingham.
Regional government is in dire straits and political parties should be explaining how they intend down-sizing authority to prevent taxes haemorrhaging away.

Some parliamentary candidates are pacifying the electorate, promising a two year freeze on community charge, showing they have not grasped how serious the debt problem is.

When county and city councils announce cuts, the old and vulnerable are affected. Fiscal cuts should target executives and high echelon managers as the system is top-heavy with overpaid administrators.
Hazard warning after safe cornering
— BOB PRICE, Fiskerton Road, Rolleston.
Imagine my surprise on Friday morning to be flagged down by four police officers with a police car upon entering Bleasby from Fiskerton.

It appeared that the car I had seen parked on the verge of the sharp corner before Bleasby was, in fact, an unmarked car with two more officers monitoring traffic.

Without a speed gun they had judged that I was driving fast for the conditions, even though I was some 10mph under the 60mph speed limit and slowed very significantly for the bend.
Asda at last
— SHARON MORLEY, Newark (Full address supplied).
I am delighted that Asda has finally announced a start date for the long-awaited Potterdyke development (Asda On The Way, Advertiser, March 5).

In typical Newark style, this is an issue that has been rumbling on for far too many years.

I am convinced that if Asda had made a similar application in any other town, the planning process would have been complete and the store built long ago.
Early closure
— J. MARSHALL, Newark (Full address supplied).
The latest assurance that work on the Potterdyke development is to start is hard to believe, what with so many false starts.

Last year the scheme was amended to phase the project and to proceed with the new health clinic as the first phase.

Yet still nothing happened on the site, nor has the Robin Hood Hotel been demolished.
Open to change
— (Mrs) C. LEE, Newark (Full address supplied).
There’s progress at last on Asda. With a projected opening date of Christmas 2011 it seems we’re finally going to see work starting.

Newark’s proud heritage as a traditional market town should be protected, but not to the extent that we say no to anything and anyone just because they will bring change.

If we stand still we will be left behind by neighbouring towns.
Healthy future
— Councillor TONY ROBERTS, leader, Newark and Sherwood District Council.
I wonder if I could offer Dr Campbell, the Labour prospective Parliamentary candidate for Newark a word of advice?

If you believe everything you read; you should never have learned to read.

Certainly, if you are on the threshold of fighting an election campaign you should double check your facts.
A & E cut support defies public opinion
— (Dr) IAN CAMPBELL, The Grange, Averham Park.
There’s only one thing worse than not having the opportunity to voice your opinion. It’s being told your opinion does count, then having it ignored.

The decision by Newark and Sherwood District Council to support the downgrading of Newark Hospital A & E, endorsing the decision to close it completely between midnight and 7am flies in the face of local opinion.

In the space of a few short weeks thousands signed petitions protesting against the moves by NHS Nottinghamshire County to downgrade the A & E department.
Election launch
— RICHARD LAMB, Hawton Road, Newark.
David Cameron used the Conservatives’ Spring Forum in Brighton to launch their Vote for Change election campaign.

Given the state of the nation’s finances there will certainly be a time of change following the General Election when the country’s massive debt burden is tackled and the economy moves to some alternative fuel other than that of unlimited credit.

Whether local Conservatives will be campaigning hard on the message of voting for change is, however, another matter.
More care
— PETER O’MALLEY Byron Gardens, Southwell.
A wise builder always allows a sum for contingencies and we have learnt that earthquakes and inclement weather pay no attention to party manifestos.

We have got off relatively lightly in the Nottinghamshire County Council budget but the myriad of potholes in our roads will not be filled for free by the fairies.

Is the council’s budget “family friendly” to quote a senior politician? Or does that only apply to those of reproductive age?
Helping hands
— D. PRINCE, Balderton (Full address supplied).
When St John cadets put first aid skills to good use it shows how valuable their work is (Cadets Acted Fast To Help, Advertiser, February 26).
Climate action
— TRISH GURNEY, Main Street, Balderton.
I was worried to read that when the Conservative Party last month published a top ten list of reasons to vote for them, the environment didn’t even make the list.

Just a few years ago, David Cameron was urging us to believe that it was his top priority.

He even went to the Arctic to be photographed with a husky.
Hunting view
— JOE PHILLIPS, Windsor Court, Bingham.
Since the hunting ban more people are following the activity than before (On The Scent Of A Change To Hunting Law, Advertiser, February 26).

Could this be because they feel the cruelty has been removed and they are ready to take an interest?

Mr David Manning, one of the joint orgainsers of the South Notts Hunt, said: “When you read the act you see it was not written to protect the fox, hare or the deer. It was written to have a go at people the Labour Government thought they should have a go at.”
Show support for Spotlight Gallery
— JENNY HOLLIDAY, volunteer, Newark Town Hall Museum and Gallery, Newark (Full address supplied).
Relocating the Newark Town Council reception area to the second floor of the Town Hall would not only be inconvenient and impractical, it may well have an impact on the Spotlight Gallery.

This would have the effect of halving the exhibition space and reducing access.

The Spotlight Gallery brings in a fresh set of visitors with each new display because of the short-term nature of the exhibitions, the variety of their content and the wide range of artists, groups and institutions that are involved.
 
Well grounded
— CHRIS GRANT, The Park, Newark.
I write regarding the future of the Newark Town Council offices and the Spotlight Gallery in the Town Hall.

The town council was slow in learning the lesson from theatres where all box offices are readily accessible to the public.

The idea of ground floor council offices was discussed in the early 1990s but only belatedly was action taken and the administration brought down to its present superb position.
True value
— A. and E. EVANS, Whitfield Street, Newark.
We read in the Advertiser that Newark Town Council is considering moving its reception from the entrance of The Buttermarket to the Spotlight Gallery on the second floor.

We understand that the council needs to make savings in its budget in the coming year, but sincerely hope that this move will not jeopardise the Spotlight Gallery or, indeed, the museum as a whole.

As teachers in the area for the past 25 years, we are aware of the positive impact that the museum and gallery have had since they opened ten years ago, and of their educational and cultural importance to the town.
Rights of way
— PETER WHITE, Browning Road, Balderton.
Has it occurred to those authorities that may wish to impose an entrance fee that the Newark Castle grounds may have a public right of way?

There are three entrances (not including the Gilstrap Centre) so, in effect, there are three two-way routes through the grounds.

The Newark Navigation Commissioners and their lessees may also have a right of way on the path by the river side of the castle.
Chance to pay tribute to local regiment
— JOHN STEPHENSON, Marton Road, Newark.
The three-course lunch at Newark Showground on March 16 for soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment is a wonderful gesture by the Advertiser editor-in-chief, Mr Roger Parlby, and its co-organiser, the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.

This will be a wonderful tribute to such a fine regiment following their return from their third tour of Afghanistan where once again they showed tremendous bravery.

I know how much this will be appreciated by their commanding officer and all ranks in the battalion.
MPs in credit
— D. ALLEN, Howard’s Gardens, Balderton.
Many people are so disillusioned with politics as a result of the antics of some MPs that they may well have even given up on voting as a waste of time.

However, what helps me avoid becoming cynical is the fact that in our local area we are fortunate in having two members — one Labour and the other Conservative — namely Patrick Mercer (Newark) and John Mann (Bassetlaw) who are a credit to the Mother of Parliaments.
Library change
— LOIS HIPKISS, Marrison Way, Southwell
Forgive me if I, and many like-minded residents, do not share the enthusiasm expressed by the manager regarding the introduction of self-service machines to Southwell Library.

I realise financial savings must be made by the county council, but it adds insult to injury when these are described as improvements.

As is clear from the introduction of similar schemes in other parts of the country, what it really means is that there is more flexibility for the library service to make staff cuts in the future.
Speed signs
— S. HOWARD, Balderton (Full address supplied).
I hope the interactive speed sign on Lincoln Road, Newark, has the desired effect (Speed-sign Victory For Residents, Advertiser, February 19).

I wish the campaigners every success as they strive to have the speed limit reduced to 30mph.

Interactive signs seem to have a greater impact on excessive speed than the threat of a fine posed by speed cameras.
Not so fast
— I. TURNER, Coddington (Full address supplied).
Well done to Newark’s Lord Ted pub for getting £100,000- worth of updates done in 48 hours (Refit Ends On Time, Advertiser, February 12).

What a contrast to the library being shut for three weeks to fit self-service booths.
Street closure for better shopping
— JOHN LIGHTWOOD, 20’s Plenty Action Group, Kirklington Road, Southwell.
It was with some dismay that I read the article, Unconvinced By Street Closure (Southwell Advertiser, February 19) in which some members of the Southwell Town Forum expressed rather negative views regarding the idea of closing King Street to traffic on Saturdays.

Our own survey conducted back in September 2008, and highlighted by the Advertiser’s edition of September 26, 2008, showed significant support for the proposal and near-unanimous backing from town retailers.

No-one suggested that the King Street carpark should be closed for this purpose as intimated in the latest article, and there is no reason why loading bays could not be used for the collection of heavy goods at the end of the street closure period.
Castle concern
— D. PRINCE, Balderton (Full address supplied).
We may live in desperate times but surely the idea of charging to enter Newark Castle is a step too far (Castle Entry Charge In Mind, Advertiser, February 19).

The gardens are a beautiful town centre feature and are popular with casual visitors and townsfolk alike.

You get a feel of the history of the place, but not a lot remains of the castle other than the main wall facing the River Trent. What that offers is a great view of the river and surrounding area.
Entry idea
— MARK ALEXANDER, Barnbygate, Newark.
So, Newark and Sherwood District Council is considering charging for entry into Newark Castle.

Only 652 out of 26,000 people in Newark responded to the council consultation but could stop the enjoyment of all those who, especially at weekends, sit in the splendid castle grounds.

Generations of Newarkers have enjoyed the castle without any cost.
Service slips
— ALAN REED, Gunthorpe (Full address supplied).
I was interested to read the letter regarding the continuing fall of standards at the gym at Bingham Leisure Centre (Gym Worry, News Views, February 19).

I have been a member of the gym for six years and I have also noticed the deterioration in the services.

I wrote a letter in response to a renewal offer from the gym management listing a few of the issues that I had with the gym, such as general lack of cleanliness and machines out of action for long periods.
Tip support
— J. MARSHALL, Newark (Full address supplied).
If councillor Mrs Gill Dawn wants to see less fly-tipping (Report Tippers Plea, Advertiser, February 12) she should support the latest plans for a household waste and recycling centre on Brunel Drive, Newark.

This will be a far more accessible location for the majority of Newark people than that presently available at Cotham and should really give a boost to local recycling levels.

We need to welcome and embrace this much needed community facility.
On the buses
— NIGEL STARBUCK, Carnarvon Close, Bingham.
Both Premiere and Trent Barton are to be praised for their excellent 15 minute bus services to and from Bingham to Nottingham.

However, there are complaints about the congestion that builds up when more than one bus is at the designated stops.

Currently both services are scheduled at the same stops at the same time and it is causing mayhem.
Empty eyesore
— JOE PHILLIPS, Windsor Court, Bingham.
On the whole Bingham isn’t suffering from the empty shop syndrome that has blighted so many towns in the UK.

Just two premises on Market Street seem to be sticking.

However, the old Pioneer Co-Op in the precinct, which must have been empty for ten years, is still an eyesore and I suggest needs some thinking outside the box, for no-one can be making any money out of it.
 

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