THIS issue with the old first aid hut in Gorleston should be laid to rest. The best thing would be to demolish it and add further covered seating to that area.

RE article last week, this issue with the old first aid hut in Gorleston should be laid to rest. The best thing would be to demolish it and add further covered seating to that area. The author of last week’s letter perhaps is not aware that it was not only the locals objecting to the development of that site but it was rejected because it contravened the local council’s planning regulations for Great Yarmouth and Gorleston seafronts, and those interested, if they had attended that meeting, would have seen that the majority of the planning councillors were unanimous when they rejected the application to turn it into a seaside caf�.

Competition, it was said, was maybe an issue here, and I agree competition is good when there are limited choices, but there are already sufficient shops selling the same things as this proposed planning applicant intends to do. Also, would the competition be fair, are the business rates on a hut going to be the same as what those shops have to pay? I don’t think so. The council has a responsibility to protect those businesses already there who have such a short season to make their livelihood viable.

I, like the author, also remember the outdoor swimming pool which was there, but it was only an open window facing the prom where you could purchase some items, but this was soon stopped. Why? There were no table and chairs etc obstructing the prom. Likewise 40 years ago I also brought up a family and spent all the summer holidays on Gorleston beach because it was a fun and inexpensive day out, and an ice cream was the treat at the end of the day on the way home. We got away with it because it was not constantly in the vision of the children.

I do not dispute the new refurbishment of the Beach Caf�, but how would the owner like someone setting up a business in competition a few yards from his doorstep?

I do wonder why the council did not make some basic improvements to the hut and let it to those who have now got the wooden hut along the prom; concerns have been raised as to how long before vandals will have a go at this structure.

The council has done and still does a wonderful job with Gorleston prom, so don’t spoil it with these outlets please, we do not need them.

SHEILA HOWLETT

Sycamore Avenue

I TOTALLY agree with Derek Masters’ letter in the Mercury, September 17. I, too, served in Cyprus between 1956 and 1958 and did my training as a dog handler with 6th Army Guard Dog Unit, later to be stationed at No 2 Wireless Regiment, near Famagusta; I have many pleasant memories of this along with the sad ones.

It is said that more troops were lost in the Cyprus emergency than the general public realised, even more than we are losing in these present times. During my time in Cyprus, many brave men were lost – it is right that there should be proper recognition for all those who were lost, and all those who will never forget them, who served alongside them.

Always my thoughts are with the lost ones and their families on November 11, Remembrance Day, but I remember them every day.

RAY WILLIAMS

Station Road North, Belton

I AM saddened to see young people trekking to and from the Job Centre in search of almost non-available employment. Does this have to be? Also, I am reluctant to question politicians, most of whom seem to be better qualified in spin and buck-passing then solving the problem.

There are, however, the churches who may not wish to involve themselves in politics but are nevertheless concerned for our wellbeing. While recognising the admirable deeds of the Salvation Army for example, in alleviating distress, could our religious organisations enlighten us to a permanent solution for this mundane problem?

DAVID KING

Falcon Court, Great Yarmouth

SO the county council has decided that the Hopton cyclepath will go ahead after all. What they have failed to state yet again is that their plan to install/upgrade is in fact unlawful, as they well know. This is why it has been with lawyers for the last few months.

Yet again it has been said that the cyclepath was blockaded to the side of Cliff Cottages. As stated previously, this area is privately owned by the residents there, and they or their guests are fully within their rights to park wherever on that parcel of land. The council has no right of access there.

The council has failed to state who will be responsible for the supply of bins and their emptying, for the collection of dog waste, litter etc left by the 2,000 expected users. Do they expect the residents of privately owned Warren Road to pay for this?

They have also supplied a wonderful picture of the barriers to be used. Do they honestly think this structure would stay in place for more than a few days, as after all, if concrete bollards can be removed by certain people wishing to get motorbikes etc through, I am sure a pathetic wooden structure will soon be demolished. There is always the alternative of going around either side of it, as the council earlier saw fit to destroy much of the vegetation there.

Let it be noted the residents will not be blackmailed into accepting the offer of �5,000 either.

S E GRAY

Kennel Loke, Gorleston

IT was no surprise to me we didn’t see a letter in The Mercury last week from Barry Coleman in response to Peter Kirkpatrick’s gracious offer to fund a public meeting to give the council leader the opportunity to speak to residents to explain the new changes to the position of mayor and reply to residents’ concerns about not only this, but also other matters.

The Conservative-controlled borough council cancelled Gorleston Councillors Scrutiny Committee meetings. There was little encouragement for residents in the way they were run, where meetings were held, the earliness – which didn’t give working people time to get home and out again, and poor publicity. It will be interesting to see how the Tories will respond to the Big Society ideas of the new government. It can be a great success if people feel it is a real benefit and inclusive, if not...

In truth current leader has the political power of a czar in what is termed a democracy.

This referendum for an elected mayor must be a success, not only so there is a chance to find a person who can bring the whole borough together, but it will be a chance for residents to look towards some better democracy.

DENNIS DURRANT

Brett Avenue, Gorleston

THE Great Yarmouth Mercury last week was as usual full of interesting articles and snippets. Uppermost for me was J Dye on the hidden lagoon, Mike Castle on the elected mayor, and HMS Dauntless.

Hidden lagoon: With most of the quay space already allocated to various companies, the aggregate import, the grain exportation on the West Quay, and the container quay on the north side that is spoken for, take up considerable space. Townsfolk frequently see wind turbine-related ships and barges in the inner harbour and in the outer harbour. Some are just sheltering from bad weather; the others are belonging to already established companies, No new job vacancies. So J Dye was very correct when advising caution.

The elected mayor: I cannot help thinking from Mr Castle’s letter that he seems to be promoting himself. But not being cruel to Mr Castle alone, in my opinion none of our present councillors should put themselves forward for this powerful position. None of the current councillors has the required business knowledge to carry out the transformations

None would cut the number of councillors, yet cutting would save thousands of pounds. An elected mayor would scrap the giant TVs, he/she would be more fair between Yarmouth and Gorleston on seafront spending, an elected mayor would name and shame and get rid of those responsible for the mismanagement of the �63m given away on the outer and inner harbour that will never belong to us – and yet which had belonged to us since the reign of Elizabeth I.

Now 73, if I was 20 years younger I would put myself forward, as I could not do worse than the present possible nominees.

HMS Dauntless: a wonderful ship, one of a pair. 21m Beam 7.4m Draft. A ship built to surge through storm force weather at over 30 knots and 50ft seas Dauntless by name Dauntless by nature. But stationary in a three or four metre swell beam, without her engines keeping her stable she would be like a lifeboat, she would wallow to such an extent that boarding would be difficult. So when I read the last paragraph in the article where it states “the visit could be cancelled due to Royal Navy commitments or weather, I thought ah, could the weather bit be anything to do with a north easterly or south easterly causing swell in the outer harbour?

JOHN L COOPER

Burnt Lane, Gorleston

I WAS dismayed to read about the amount of money being spent on removal of pews etc in St Andrew’s Church in Gorleston. Are the pews rotten? Is this the same diocese that allows other churches to fall into shameful disrepair, for want of money. My husband and I visit Norfolk’s churches on a regular basis, and are often saddened to see churches with leaky roofs etc. One comes to mind, in Oxnead, Norfolk, we visited a year ago, and the church was in need of guttering, the rain was pouring down the side of the church. By the way this church had an open door, as do most of the churches we visit. Unlike St Andrew’s in Gorleston. In fact, some welcome you in with serve-yourself tea and coffee-making facilities!

Mrs A WEST, Gorleston

WAS it a bird? Was it a Doc? Was it a Cop? Was it Superman? No, it was Fireman. With ‘twos and blues’ flashing, sirens screaming, Saturday lunch on September 25 was interrupted in Great Yarmouth as a frontline fire engine raced to yet another emergency. Or was it?

With motorists mounting pavements, and frightened horses galloping in the fields, the bright red monster raced towards the village of Belton. It passed the speed cameras at great speed with hardly a flash. The fully manned engine swept along and then shrieked to halt outside a residential property, blocking the narrow road. It must be an urgent call to park in such a spot. Firemen, in their special heat resistant uniforms removed their breathing apparatus and coats. Then they got out specialised equipment; a wire coat hanger – to access a small car whose owner had locked his keys on the inside.

In Great Yarmouth, a town of high unemployment, shabby boarded-up hotels, pubs and shop fronts and with 320 homeless, over 7,203 on the council house waiting list, is this the best usage of the finite council tax? In this town, facing swingeing cuts in services for the elderly, the vulnerable and the poor, should the fire chief and the county council chief executive face an investigation? Should there be a demand for them both to resign? Why the chief executive some might say. The buck always stops at the top. As a chief executive, he must take the flak for this complete waste of taxpayers’ money. They could have sent one small van with one small fireman without ‘twos and blues’ or sirens. It would be interesting to know what led to a full emergency turn-out for a non-emergency shout.

Name and Address withheld

FAR be it from me to turn the subject of the inflatables into a long-running saga but I felt I must respond to the letter in support of them which mentioned the SeaLife Centre.

At the beginning of each year there is an application form in The Mercury for the purchase of a season ticket for the centre for a very reasonably amount. By taking advantage of this we can take the children as many times as we like for 12 months. I will leave readers to decide what represents good value for money – a nominal amount for unlimited visits to a place which is fun and educational, or �3.50 for 15 minutes on a bouncy castle or slide. I would suggest also that the inflatables put a lot of pressure on parents to spend money whereas the children could burn off energy doing what they like best, running about and playing on the beach.

BRENDA FULLER

email

NOW you are taking the pizza! Maybe it is me turning into a grumpy old man but the number of kebab and pizza menus delivered to my house each week has reached the dizzy heights of between 10 and 15! I live close to the town centre and Northgate area of Great Yarmouth so why am I getting menus for Gorleston and Caister? I understand they need to advertise but not to this extent. I, like many others, go to the same takeaway all the time because you enjoy the food whether it is fish and chips or Chinese etc, you don’t change every time you get a menu through the door – actually it has the reverse effect.

Maybe my message to these people is, “please, please stop” I now have enough to decorate my three-bedroomed house. Twice!

D RICHMOND

email

WHAT a fantastic afternoon of classic brass band music, put on by the Old St Margaret’s Restoration Project team in Hopton recently.

A very professional Great Yarmouth Brass were unsurpassed, and although the weather was not too good, the band made up for that and more. I was proud to support the team in this venture and look forward to the next event in anticipation.

If this is the standard of entertainment planned for this site, roll on its completion.

BRIAN HOWARD

Hopton

JUST to say there are a few seconds of film of the 1961 service on the East Anglian Film Archive’s DVD Yarmouth in the Sixties. It shows among others Bob Monkhouse, Tommy Steele, Bruce Forsyth and Frankie Howard. Along with Mayor Edgar Barker.

PAUL GODFREY,

Lowry Way, Lowestoft

WHAT can I say. Great entertainment all day and then the spectacular evening event and parade. It was fabulous. Thank you to all who organised the Out There Festival, I’m sure everyone who went would agree, so roll on next year!

Mrs D DADE

Midland Close, Caister

I AM 78 years old, but have been trying for many years to find out who or what was “Scroby”, as the sands off our coast are called. Even the old fishermen have no idea why the name. Please try to find out for me, or perhaps there is a “Yarmouth Bloater” like me who knows the answer.

MRS DURRANT

Address withheld

THE council is asking for people’s views on whether they should have a leader elected by councillors, or an elected mayor, elected by the people. The public will, of course, now decide this issue through a referendum, but I think that the elected mayor system should prevail, because all 70,000 voters will get the chance to choose who leads the council, not 20 or so councillors behind closed doors.

JEAN E SMITH

Da Volls Court

Gorleston

IT’S amazing how bus shelters always seem to attract anti-social behaviour (re the vandalism of Hemsby’s bus shelter).

A few years ago Brundall was experiencing trouble from teenagers frequenting the local bus shelter for all sorts of “goings on.” Their draconian measure was to erect a metal gate across the entrance, the key to which was held by a local shopkeeper, who unlocked and locked the gate when he opened and closed his shop. So if it was raining when the shop was closed, the waiting passengers got wet, but at least it stopped the teenagers having fun!

PAULINE LYNCH

Mill Lane

Bradwell

ON reading Peggotty’s article in the Great Yarmouth Mercury (September 24), it brought back my memories of the finals night of the police snooker at the Links Hotel. I had the pleasure to play my old friend, the late PC 39 Ivor Warner, for the cup. Ivor beat me, two frames to one.

Ivor and I both got challenged to a game against Jimmy White, who was the guest. I think I went to the table twice and the game was over. It was possibly the night Jimmy scored 129. I believe I’m right in saying that Ivor won his game.

Those were great days for our Police Social Club, with the dances, dinners and all-day Broads trip on the Queen of the Broads (with guests). I think the bar on the boat did well on those days!

We had football, cricket and bowls teams, salt water and fresh water fishing teams, and treasure hunts. Actually, the borough police force was like a big family.

L J LISSAMORE

Burgh Road

IN response to P Sutton’s letter, September 24, Turbine Objectors are in a Minority.

The last meeting in Hemsby Village Hall, following SLP going to appeal on the planning application refused by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, was extremely well attended by those opposing the wind turbines. We were told that there had only been three letters of support and the chairman asked if those three people were at the meeting – there was silence in reply. They obviously didn’t have the courage of their convictions to attend. P Sutton thinks the short distance between Hemsby and Ormesby is a very rural area; I beg to differ, it is only about one mile between the two villages.

If the supporters of the wind farm had attended the meeting when Shirley Weymouth, Messrs Lewis, Reynolds, Jermany et al attended (Mr Shrimplin sent his apologies) they would realise these councillors and our MP were supporting the villagers who had elected them, and I for one was pleased that they had in P Sutton’s words ‘jumped on the bandwagon’ although I felt there was genuine concern from all the councillors attending.

Some disturbing facts were given regarding health issues for those working in the environs of the turbines, but what about the residents living nearby? We are unable to pack our bags and leave – this lovely area is our home and we wish to stay here and live healthy lives. Perhaps P Sutton would prefer the wind turbines to be in her part of the village – she is welcome to them. I would also just like to mention that Hemsby seems to be hitting the headlines recently in such a detrimental way. I have lived here for nearly 40 years, my children attended the school and I have joined in village activities as and when I can, and I say to those who grumble about our village, you don’t have to stay or failing that, get involved in local politics and see how difficult it is to please all the people all the time.

JACKIE PAGE

Ormesby Road

Hemsby

IT’S a pity P Sutton of Hemsby is not a member of Hemsby Parish Council, as they may be able to find a cheaper piece of land for the allotments, with water already laid on, so the rest of Hemsby’s residents wouldn’t have to foot the bill. Also not such an eyesore as coming into the village. If they can also show me proof of my electricity bills going down because of wind turbines, I will willingly have them in my back garden!

P PAGE

Springfield Road

Hemsby

WITH reference to Julia Knight’s letter and that of St Andrew’s Ministry Team (September 24) regarding the re-ordering of the interior of the church, as an objector, I sent my objections to the Diocesan Board several months ago.

Julia Knight’s words that objectors “do not frequent the church.” There are several reasons why some of us do not go to the services now, as there is no matins or evensong. What services there are seem to me to be of a gimmicky nature — a church band and no organ — and there appears to be more concern for the physical rather than spiritual needs of the parishioners.

To remove our lovely and much-admired pews and replace them with chairs, where there is no room for kneeling (for those who wish to), and no elbow room, and to alter the chancel and other parts, to me is vandalism.

In the architect’s plan for the re-ordering there was no mention of the memorial chapel, this being referred to merely as “a chapel.” Here are the names recorded of war veterans who have given their lives for this country, and to me, for this to be ignored is sacrilege.

The ministry team (perhaps a new name for the parochial church council) wants to raise funds for the project: the latest idea is for a Family Fun Day. I believe there is already �10,000, given recently. In the first instance I think the church roof, which is constantly giving trouble, should be repaired, then the balance given to the National Disaster Fund for charities such as the Pakistan floods, rather than kept for this re-ordering project.

There seems to be no bible or confirmation classes. One of the greatest moments of completeness of the feelings for one’s faith comes after taking one’s first communion after being confirmed.

Finally, again I must say that we have the Chapter House, which was built some years ago, specifically for concerts and exhibitions and it is quite adequate for these purposes.

CECILIA EBBAGE

Lovewell Road

Gorleston

I AM writing a letter about the number of underage tattooing that is going on. As a professional tattoo artist on Ormesby Road in Caister I am appalled by the amount of people who ask me to tattoo them under the age of 18 whats more amazing is that most of these people already have tattoos. Now correct me if I’m wrong but tattoing under the age of 18 is illegal hence the reason we are meant to be so hot on ID. I can’t believe that any proffesional tattoo artist would risk losing their certificate of registration by tattooing underage. I’ve been tattooing for quite a while now and since opening up on Ormesby Road in Caister I have been amazed by how many people have approached me for a tattoo and have told me that they have already been tattooed by another shop or one of the local untrained scratchers. For all those that dont know what a scratcher is, it’s a person who has had no formal training and has bought a tattoo kit and is wrecking people’s skin. I just hope that reading this helps you decide to see a proffesional artist and wait till you are old enough and not ruin your skin and regret it.

ROBERT DAMERELL

Ormesby road

Caister