I WAS delighted to see a picture of our house and its neighbours on Cliff Hill under the heading “Historic Areas to get Extra Protection.” The borough council does appear to be a little inconsistent, however, as their allowing the construction of two new houses on Beach Road (just below Cliff Hill) is wrecking the fabric of the very houses they seem so keen on telling us that they are looking to protect.

I WAS delighted to see a picture of our house and its neighbours on Cliff Hill under the heading “Historic Areas to get Extra Protection.”

The borough council does appear to be a little inconsistent, however, as their allowing the construction of two new houses on Beach Road (just below Cliff Hill) is wrecking the fabric of the very houses they seem so keen on telling us that they are looking to protect.

The piling that took place this summer has done significant damage to our house, and I dread to think what it has done to those even closer to the building site (now abandoned this last four months).

Having made the council aware of this, I was eventually informed the manner of construction was not the business of either the planning authority or the council. The fact that there is yet another site being opened on Beach Road indicates they don't actually give a damn about the existing buildings.

I do not object to the fact other houses are being built - this is progress, and is how Cliff Hill was formed from the 18th century onwards - but methods exist that do not shake the neighbours to bits. Silent piling is indeed expensive, but is nearly always specified when a new site is adjacent to properties that are in danger of being damaged.

Please help us to look after our historic buildings by providing us with measured planning assistance, not lip service. I am simply a temporary owner on Cliff Hill: the house has been there since 1885, and I intend passing it on in such a condition that it can last a further century or two.

DAN BUCKLEY

Cliff Hill

Gorleston

I WOULD like to make a few comments about the letter from Ken Heales about discarded fishing line etc. No fisherman would leave five weights at 80+p each on the beach. This bundle has been washed up by the tides and high water.

Over the years things are washed close inshore that have been washed overboard/thrown/lost by boats and ships etc. These make snags which tangle up in our lines which snap. Sometimes these bundles wash up on the beach so they are not discarded by fishermen. Maybe we should discuss the amount of dogs I see through the year dumping other things on the beach that I would class as a health hazard to people's children. Let's not make a mistake here. It's the majority of dog owners who let their dogs mess on the beach and on the streets which we have to live with.

PETER CLEGG

Duncan Road

Great Yarmouth

IN reply to Ken Heales, (Mercury, December 12). I fully understand the author's feelings on the angling sundries found on Gorleston beach, but perhaps I could offer an alternative explanation.

It may seem incredible but there is an unwritten law that says when a beach fisherman casts into the open sea there is probably a one in 20 chance that he will snag his line; again every now and then it's snagged on someone else's broken end tackle from some time before. Now, if the angler is lucky enough, his line may hold, and as well as getting his tackle back he may get back the other person's as well. I say lucky because these lead weights are valuable to us, they have shot up in price over the recent months to be over £1 each.

I can assure Ken that it's my belief and probably the belief of every other shore angler that has read his letter, that the tackle he found was indeed washed up, and although it's fortunate that Ken found it, I and many others anglers would have preferred to find it for its value. I could run on and push the virtues of anglers saying they look after nature and are respectful of the surroundings. Most of us are, but with everything there is a minority who buck the trend and are a pain.

Please accept my apologies for all of those who don't care and lack respect for the environment and fellow creatures, but I remain convinced they are the minority.

TONY DIDCOTT

Waunci Crescent

Gorleston

EVERYONE in Gorleston agrees that the traffic congestion problem in Gorleston High Street is serious and efforts should be made to try and alleviate it. There is one comparatively simple thing that could be done which would help no end. That is, the southernmost pedestrian crossing outside Hughes TV and Radio shop should be changed to a controlled one. You only have to watch people crossing the road at this narrow part. You will see that the traffic has to stop hundreds of times to allow one or two pedestrians to cross. The minute the traffic moves after someone crosses on the crossing, it has to stop again for another. If the crossing was changed to a controlled one with activating buttons, the time could be varied to perhaps 30 seconds or more to allow the traffic to flow. Pedestrians could still cross the road in safety. I am positive that this would help no end,

JOHN CALTHORPE

email

I WONDER how long we will have to wait for the second viewing platform for the outer harbour? We were promised one at the start of the work but nothing has happened. Indeed with the announcement of the closing of the road in this area we are now set to lose another part of the facilities to view and use the beach and roadway. This is in addition to access the riverside walk that used to be along both the east and west sides of the river. Soon we will barred from getting anywhere near these areas. As the Omnipac site is being redeveloped why not put an observation area on the top of the new building? All they need to do is when under construction to make a separate entry/access area for the public. I want to see the ships that will use the new outer harbour as they will be 30,000 tonne vessels! The report states that they will be five times bigger that the existing vessels.

M E HOOD

Claydon Grove

Gorleston

RE: Great Yarmouth outer harbour development. Arising from the article re the closure of the road access from Hartmann Road South, may I inquire if it would be possible for a public meeting to be held so that the general public can be afforded the opportunity to discuss the proposals fully? May I question how can the HM Customs be allowed to dictate the loss of a facility which the citizens of this borough have enjoyed for centuries? Have the local politicians conveniently forgotten the agreement that was made at the time of the enclosure of the quays which the North Pier car park was part of, and the North Pier? May I inquire what was intended by the borough council officer's reference to consultation? Perhaps he can reveal this to your readers.

RUSSELL CARTER

Exmouth Road

Great Yarmouth

WITH the news that the south end of South Denes is to become a Custom Control Area and no longer available to the public to enjoy driving round the loop or spending leisurely half-hours parked to enjoy the sight and sound of the sea, should not the idea of re-siting the position of the Nelson Monument be dropped? Situated where it is and always has been, to say nothing of the expense that has been devoted to its restoration recently, it could now become a welcome sight for all the expected traffic coming into the harbour - dare I say like the Statue of Liberty.

Miss R FARMER

Marine Parade

Gorleston

IN response to the article concerning access to the outer harbour and sea/river estuary pier heads, I am appalled that the borough council and its representatives are shortsighted in not allowing residents and holidaymakers the pleasure of experiencing the beautiful view of one of the best places in Great Yarmouth. Not only is the view spectacular but it is known to have calming effects on people. Water is such a tranquil medium for the spirit. Cannot the road on the riverside be utilised to the estuary? Surely high open fences could be installed, but the road left open for residents and holidaymakers to still enjoy as their ancestors did, and future generations also. To deprive residents and holidaymakers alike this spot is so short-sighted of the people in planning. Yes, Great Yarmouth needs to move with the times, however some changes are not always best.

Come on councillors, listen to the residents you represent. Sometimes profit is not the only answer, there are always alternatives.

E ALWAY

Kent Square

Great Yarmouth

I WAS absolutely furious that some jumped up junior bureaucrat, along with our town hall junta, can ban public access to any part of the Queen's Highway. The phrases “Big Brother” and “Police State” spring to mind. It seems to me that every time the public gets enjoyment from something, then along comes a ban or severe restrictions. First came the hunting ban and now driving, just around the corner there will be some restrictions on drinking. Finally, when this yachting marina or, sorry, the outer harbour opens, then perhaps appropriate signs should read “Welcome to the Soviet Socialist Republic of Britain.”

P HUBBARD

St Mary's Court

Great Yarmouth

ARE you fed up with dog mess? As many people are aware, this time of year means several areas of the borough are subjected to the inaction of dog owners who do not clean up after their pets. Owners assume that under the cover of darkness they can get away without pooper scooping.

If you are fed up with this foul problem, brought about by irresponsibility, then help Great Yarmouth Borough Council try to counteract the problem. Environmental Rangers need people to come forward and be witnesses to this foul act, providing them with evidence which can lead to owners being prosecuted.

Past prosecutions against dog fouling has incurred fines for owners of around £330 but can go up to £1,000.

Most dog owners are responsible but we would like to appeal to any residents who see individuals breaking the law to contact us.

In particular the Environmental Rangers are asking for any information regarding offenders in the Granville Road area of Cobholm; North Denes School; North Road, Ormesby; Beresford Road and Southtown Road, Great Yarmouth; and Queen's Crescent, Gorleston. We are monitoring the areas which have also been letterboxed to highlight the issue but we would still ask for any information the public can supply. Environmental Health can be contacted on 01493 846478.

PAUL SHUCKSMITH

On behalf of Great Yarmouth Borough Council's Environmental Rangers

The Maltings

Southtown Road

Great Yarmouth

I AM trying to trace Roxanne Deanne Jane Tibble/Ablitt. Her birthday is on January 11. Please can anyone help me, it would be great. Anyone having any information can email me on bone1963@sky.com.

JULIAN TIBBLE

EVERYONE is familiar with the phrase “Christmas is coming,” and also, as we approach our 30th Christingle service at St Nicholas Parish Church, with the phrase “Christingle is coming.” This year's service is to be on Sunday, December 21 at 4pm.

At Christingle, families, friends and children come together to bring their offerings for children and young people in need - in return those presenting a Christingle envelope, containing monies the children have collected, will each receive a lighted Christingle to process, in candlelight, around the church. This procession makes a memorable climax to a truly children's Christmas service. A great moment for both children and adults! We do hope that many, many of you will come to St Nicholas' on December 21. We make 300 Christingles, but if you wish to make your own, as we know some groups do, please do so. All proceeds go to the Children's Society. We thank you for your support over the last 29 years - please continue - your help is needed more than ever.

JANE FREEMAN

Christingle committee member

IF it wasn't such a crime against civil liberties it would be laughable, suitable for the Goons Show or Father Ted; the government's proposed legislation to put the sale of cigarettes under the counter. What do they think shops are there for? To say we've got a shop here but we are not going to tell you what we are selling.

What's next, replace the big M on McDonalds with an exclamation mark because fatty foods are bad for you or get pubs to pretend they are hairdressers. Labour governments over the years just love control and after world war two they kept rationing going long after it was necessary. I remember going to buy sweets not because I needed them but to spend my coupons.

The second proposed piece of legislation is to force mothers of one year old babies to go back to work. The breakdown of the family unit is, as I see it, the major cause of a lot of our troubles in society today. We have classes to teach parents how to operate all because they did not have a parent at home to teach them. Wake up Mr Brown and stop trying to save the world and do something to save us. Finally, Happy Christmas. I believe it's December 25 but don't tell anyone.

GERRY JARVIS

Great Yarmouth

IN a pub “meat raffle,” I won a chicken. Due to poor health I was unable to call in until after a week. The landlord, with a grin on his face told me that he had to throw it away as he had no room in his freezers. This from a pub that sells food Thursday/Sunday.

My question is: Who is the owner of that chicken?

Name and Address withheld

DESPITE all the razzmatazz about the forthcoming Legends football match against a Great Yarmouth XI including Dion Dublin, Iwan Roberts, Darren Eadie, Darren Huckerby etc, is anybody really interested in watching Great Yarmouth Football Club play football? I can recall when Yarmouth Football Club had a record gate of some 7,000 and regularly had bumper gates of over 2,000 against Gorleston FC. Last Saturday (December 13) against Downham Town, Yarmouth had a gate of just 39 which must be a record low for the Bloaters. I'm afraid there are many people like myself who have given up watching football, and I wonder for how much longer teams like Yarmouth can continue as a football club?

MALCOLM METCALF

Magdalen Way

Gorleston

LAST Friday I was out when a special delivery parcel was delivered for my birthday that day. The card left by the postman said to call and arrange a redelivery. I duly called the Yarmouth sorting office number, four times within the space of 15 minutes, but could not get an answer. Then when the call was picked up it was an answer machine asking me to leave a message. I did.

A couple of hours later, I tried again to speak to a human being at the sorting office and got through to the answer machine again - and was told the mailbox was full. Charming. Couldn't leave a message anyway.

I called again on Monday and left a message asking for the parcel to be delivered the following day, Tuesday. And surprise, surprise it never arrived. Meantime, the relatives who had sent it were emailing to see if I liked the gift. On Tuesday afternoon, 3.10pm to 5pm, I dialled another n umber obtained from the Royal mail website to get the parcel redelivered. It was constantly engaged. The message to my relatives in future is to order present online and have them delivered by a courier - not Royal Mail.

I await with bated breath to see if my form-filling online will have delivered the parcel to my door yesterday (Thursday).

A EDWARDS

Great Yarmouth

HAVE you been in yet to the refurbished and newly laid out libraries in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston? Some powers that must be decided update changes were needed. Thank goodness we can occasionally go to where absolutely anything can be found out a bit more. Also that there are still staff who will courteously help us. Finding the way through the increasingly technological, depersonalised maze of information is made so much easier. At this seasonal time and nearing the end of the year many people spare thoughts for relations, friends and events. Are helpful services like libraries and others, often taken for granted. Ought they to be in the frame, even by non users. Such unknown unspoken thoughts may reassure and be small reward from everyone who appreciates such services available to us all.

Thank you.

ROY WALDING

Mill Lane

Bradwell

REFUSING to relive last year's disappointment when all the children's Christmas presents were stolen, the Priory Children's Centre's Born to Play group decided on a different approach to Christmas this year.

Armed with special car seats and pushchairs, ten children between one and eight, ten mums and five staff from the Priory Children's Centre headed to Thursford for a magical Christmas experience. And it was truly magical. Staff, parents and children alike were fascinated by the Christmas lights, elves, reindeers and of course, Santa. Each child received a lovely Christmas present from Santa - who was slightly taken aback when he was told that some of the children have no language. However, he managed very well and even received a 'high five' from one of the children.

All the children at Born to Play have a disability or problems with social skills and without the help of the five staff many of the mums would not have been able to take their children on such an outing. This time of year can be very difficult for disabled children and their parents to cope with but thanks to Born to Play we have had a wonderful Christmas experience.

All that remains to be said is that for next year perhaps we should ask Santa for some pre-Christmas maps or sat navs to avoid getting lost on the way again!

PAMELA FRISBY