Newark Advertiser readers’ letters
Time to cut governing bureaucracy
Having had the spending review by the Chancellor one has to wonder if the current administration is considering the real needs of both the nation and its citizens.
One also has to wonder if cabinet ministers, their SPADs and civil servants actually undertake real research, consider statistics and consult with the people at all levels who actually work in the public services their departments oversee and who are better placed to see where efficiencies can be made without increasing unnecessary bureaucracy.
Simon Matthews’ book House In The Country suggests why there is a housing crisis in this country and also why there is no continuity in governance when a political party changes from opposition to government, and vice versa.
Equally we are an over-bureaucratic nation and when problems occur, as they will do, the new government is ill-prepared and introduces new solutions and legislation, which sadly is too little and too late given the time it takes to resolve any problem.
This only reinforces the view that an issue ignored is a crisis ensured and that prevention at an early stage is much better than a more expensive cure when that problem has escalated.
One also wonders why Chancellors seem afraid to update all our tax systems and stop tax evasion and finance going to offshore tax havens. These monies going to help our essential public services such as policing, security and the health service which are all necessary with an expanding population.
Given that many councils are cash-strapped, largely because Central Government keeps reducing their funding, perhaps when our regions were established the government should have devolved many of its areas to Regional Assemblies who would have been closer to their local populations and would have been responsible for all public services which affect their diverse situations.
As a result, Central Government would only concern itself with national issues, such as defence and security and home and foreign affairs. This would mean a reduction in MPs and the Civil Service, some of the latter transferring to the Regional Assemblies.
Currently, we seem to have too many layers of local government and as a result too much bureaucracy.
The only layer I would keep is that of district/borough councils, whose new role would include overseeing and regulating the major public services in their area and meeting the needs of their local communities, including water and energy supplies.
Given our current problems of governance I no longer believe that we are a global influencer as many of our politicians would like us to think.
Our voice would be better heard if we were a more neutral country like Switzerland and working for a better unity across the many diverse nations of differing religions and culture. As Winston Churchill once said "Jaw, Jaw. Not War War!"
What do readers think? — A. M. WADDINGTON, Sutton-on-Trent.
Chance to leave a green legacy
As we look ahead to potential changes in the structure of our district councils, there is a real opportunity for those currently in post to leave a lasting legacy — by bringing forward the delivery of green open spaces across our area sooner rather than later.
For residents in communities like Fernwood and Middlebeck, these green spaces were promised as part of development plans, but many are still waiting.
By acting now, the district council can ensure these vital areas aren’t left to gather dust on paper, but instead become real, usable spaces that serve local families today — not in ten years’ time.
I’m calling on the district council to use the time it has left wisely.
That means putting forward a dedicated budget and committing to a joined-up approach that links Fernwood and Middlebeck together as part of a shared, forward-thinking planning/development offer.
Green space isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ — it’s essential for health, community wellbeing, and the character of our growing neighbourhoods.
With the right planning and political will, we can bring these spaces forward and make sure they happen, not just talk about them.
Let’s not waste this window. Let’s do something now that residents will thank us for later. — JOHNO LEE, Nottinghamshire county and Newark and Sherwood district councillor.
Supermarket idea welcomed
Your newspaper has asked for views on the possibility of Sainsbury’s building a store on the old Homebase site in Newark.
We would be in favour of such a development.
Newark needs greater variety in its retail offering and Sainsbury’s provides some goods of a quality other stores do not match.
A large store on that site would increase difficulties for traffic flow in the area but if the company would contribute to easing the problem, maybe with traffic lights, this could help solve it.
Hope your survey gives our planners some useful information. — Joan and Peter Rule, via email
Store benefits are outweighed
Regarding your question on the plans for the Sainsbury’s store, I am in two minds.
The Balderton store is too small and its range of goods reflects that. So, as a consumer, I would welcome the development.
However, it would further reduce the town centre footfall, so quickening the already near demise of Newark as a commercial centre, while adding to the heavy traffic on Lincoln Road.
Newark already has a full range of supermarkets.
While new jobs would be created, it's likely existing ones would be lost at Asda and Morrisons: one or both might close in the medium to long term.
On balance, while I personally might benefit, I think the town would suffer. So, ‘no’. — S. CHANNON, via email.
Sensible traffic management
Regarding last week’s story on the survey conducted by Sainsbury’s on their potential new store on Northgate, while I don’t think we should be turning any business away from town in the current financial climate, it has the potential to cause a traffic nightmare.
Just look a little further down the road to The Maltings Retail Park (where Marks and Spencer now is) to see the issues that causes as people try to turn right on to Northgate out of the park (despite the no right turn sign).
Before Sainsbury’s is all-owed to move into the former Homebase store, a sensible traffic management system needs to be put in place for that location — and my hopes aren’t high.
And even if such a system is put in place, that still relies on good old Newark drivers to actually obey it! — R. MILLER, via email.
Why the wait for relief road?
I return to Newark from time to time to visit relatives.
It is puzzling that the latest section of Newark Southern Relief Road remains closed.
The works appear to be completed.
If there is a reason for the prolonged closure no doubt readers of the paper well be very interested to know what it is! — Hugh Counsell, Peterborough.
