Letters, May 13 2016

These people taking part in what you term “the gourmet gallop” are clearly well-intentioned but do they send out the right message regarding food and it’s consumption? (Mercury, May 6, Fabulous feast is on the move).

Rushing between restaurants where they have a set time to consume each course, a whistle to keep things moving along and to prepare for the next wave of diners, why it is almost reminiscent of those school dinners of which we do not have too fond recollections.

It takes at least 20 minutes for food to be digested properly and for us to feel “full”. Lots of food in the interim period is a surefire way to put on weight. Think of the French and their leisurely meals and the much lower incidence of obesity.

Even that great philosopher of pleasure, Epicurus, cautioned against eating too much too fast.

Perhaps a leisurely stroll between the six restaurants would have made more sense.

Next week: why eating, and for that matter drinking also, while on the go, might not be such a good idea either.

MIKE SPRAGG

Collingwood Road,

Great Yarmouth

Reedham report was very harsh

Following the report on Reedham Football club’s reunion. I think it`s very harsh on all those who put in the hard work in running the club from 1991-2010, which included fundraising and building new purpose-built changing rooms as a brief spell that failed to take off.

DARREN SMITH

Church Road,

Cantley

Plastic blooms

vs a dirty beach

I read your article about the introduction of plastic flowers on Beach Road Hemsby with a level of irritation but, I did not think it worth taking any further; until I found that the cost of these baskets and their maintenance, is approximately equal to the reduction in funding for beach cleaning on Hemsby Beach. We in the Green Party are very keen to push for joined up governance, be it at national or local level and this is a glaring instance of failure in this regard.

The beach used to be cleaned throughout the season but, in light of the cuts, it will only be worked upon during high season. This means that, not only will objectionable levels of rubbish be a problem for locals who like to walk their beach, but visitors at other times will be regaled by plastic cheerfulness and a dirty beach. Even during high season, the cleaning staff may well find that the backlog of litter to be removed means that the whole beach will not be in a permanently clean state.

This cannot be a satisfactory situation and I hope that our councillors will review, and repeal this counterproductive decision at their earliest opportunity.

KEN PETERSON

Great Yarmouth Green Party

Coordinator

Four Acres Estate

Hemsby

Cut the weeds not the budgets

I live in Bradwell just off Primrose Way and have noticed how many weeds are growing on the road side from the kerbs. This make our roads look a right mess.

Also I did notice that they are not strimming round lamp posts or around the posts on greens around the area.

I have been told that this is because the big boys from the town hall have cut back on spending for this to be done. If I left my garden to grow like this with weeds growing high and long grass I would get a letter for it.

It’s about time these people who keep cutting the money for certain things start thinking what we do need to cut back spending money on - like Yarmouth seafront.

LEE SAUNDERS

Email

Time to get off EU gravy train

Jack Dye makes a strong case for staying in the EU because we get more money out of the pot than we put in.

He paints a sombre picture for us unless we sell out to the highest bidder.

Even those extra millions can’t balance the books and certainly haven’t prevented us from being firmly in the grip of austerity and continuous cuts.

I wonder how countries such as Singapore, Brazil, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and many more get along without being members of the EU? Amazing.

Isn’t sovereignty to be considered?

Many thousands of our servicemen and women, not forgetting civilians, have died trying to keep this a free and independent nation.

What would they think if they only knew that the law of our land has been usurped by Brussels?

I know what their voices would say - and I’m on their side.

Surely it is better to stand on our own feet and face difficult and, at times, seemingly overwhelming problems - as we have done many times in the past - rather than be controlled and directed by a group of grossly overpaid passengers on an endless gravy train who, when it comes to finding solutions to community-wide problems, couldn’t even find their own rear-ends with both hands.

PAT PHILPOTT

Hill Avenue

Gorleston

Devolution is a big issue too

Quite rightly discussions have begun in our paper about the EU referendum.

I would like to highlight another potential change in government which if happened could have as great an effect if not greater - East Anglian devolution.

In March a document was published by the government and 22 local authorities to look at the possibility of forming an East Anglian devolved power. One of the areas that was questioned locally was that of the directly elected mayor.

When returning to the government this is one area which they would not reconsider. So what is so wrong about a directly elected mayor? The election would take place across the whole area, including areas as far apart as Ipswich, Peterborough and Cambridge whose needs are very different. According to the government proposal: “The directly elected mayor for East Anglian combined authority will autonomously exercise new powers.” The mayor would prioritise what will happen in our combined authority. There would be Mayoral cabinet with decisions being made on as little as one third of the cabinet’s agreement.

This is a real worry. If allowed to happen devolution would have no benefit to an area like ours.

Another layer of government would be created and representatives of our area, our borough and county councillors, will have little or no influence.

A decision to continue with this will be made in just a few weeks by our councils. Please be aware of it and question your councillors on where they stand.

SUE DYSON

Youell Avenue,

Gorleston

Liz and team are a credit to NHS

It is seldom that we get a glimpse behind the scenes at the James Paget Hospital so how enlightening it was to read the interesting character sketch of one of the important players during the last three years.

Liz Libiszewski has worked tirelessly to enhance the performance and reputation of our hospital and great credit goes to her as she leaves for pastures new.

Into the limelight and in an acting role steps another dedicated and caring character in the person of Julia Hunt, and onto the news this week we learn that Heather Matthews is leading her respiratory team to new heights of achievement.

Despite the many problems facing our NHS it is encouraging to know that our hospital remains in such good hands and I wish them grateful thanks and continued success for their - and ultimately our - future.

DUSTY MILLER

Links Road

Gorleston

Breydon is an artists treasure

It was so good to read in the Great Yarmouth Mercury (May 6) about the RSPB project for an extension to the wildlife haven in the Norfolk Broads, especially the proposed purchase of land alongside Breydon Water and Berney Marshes.

We are indeed extremely fortunate in having such a haven on our doorsteps, and wonderful to know that we can provide a homeland and resting place for many of the varieties of birds that visit the estuary, including Plovers, Dunlin, Godwits, Avocets and not forgetting the hundreds of ducks and geese.

It is very appropriate that the Great Yarmouth Arts Festival’s Art Exhibition (Yarmouth Minster June 3-12) will include a section of photographs, paintings, poems and prose dedicated to Breydon Water.

Also, on Saturday June 4, at the Minster, there will be the first performance of Breydon Crowther – a new play set to music – a tale of the love, loss and taxidermy – the story of Breydon Crowther who lived on a Norfolk estuary, which could well be Breydon Water.

So, there will be much to enjoy and appreciate about Breydon Water in the forthcoming festival.

JANE FREEMAN

GYAF committee member

Timing of work beggars belief

Last week the Highways Department carried out repairs to a section of the A149 in Ormesby St Michael, namely laying new asphalt and topping it with new (granite) chippings.

Would you believe it not six days later BT Open Reach have dug a trench across this newly laid stretch.

What a waste of time and council money. Why don’t these service providers get together to avoid additional costs for repairs and relaying this and any damaged surfaces?

Also will it ever get done to the same standard as previous works which looked very nice?

FRED POLLEY

North View

Ormesby St Michael

Miffed by ‘big house’ comment

I read with amusement and amazement the rather spiteful and somewhat miffed letter from the reader in Caister complaining about the pavement repairs on Caister Road.

Just a couple of points for him to take note of: firstly, we are not rich people living in big houses, we are all working people and our houses are normal sized pre-war semis.

Next, his point about the pavement being used only for people to drive our cars in and out. This is a much used pavement by motability scooter riders, dog walkers, children and parents, people walking to and from the town and bus stops and lots of cyclists.

Lastly, no one on this road asked for these works to be done. We all had a letter a few months ago informing us that these works were to be carried out and we would experience some disruption.

Well it has been disruptive but not as disruptive as the people who seem to think its ok to hammer their vehicles along this road at well over the 30 mph limit or drive through the traffic lights on red.

Could I suggest your reader has a lit bit of therapy for his anger and jealousy. After all its not the residents of this road who are responsible for the shortcomings of his own road.

JUNE SEABROOK

Caister Road

No, to being in with ‘in crowd’

In 1973 Britain joined the European Union, though it was then known as and sold to us as the Common Market for free European trade, a market to sell and buy goods.

Now, 43 years later, Britain has been taken over and dominated by Brussels (and Strasbourg every few weeks) a group of foreigners who dictate nearly all aspects of our life - what we do, what we say, who we can deport, our law courts, who we can let in to our country, what we can make and sell.

Our fishing rights and grounds were taken off us and given to the Europeans.

“Could be”, “maybe”, “most likely” are phrases that the “Remain In crowd” are saying about various things that could happen if we pull out of the European Union.

The latest are the heads of MI5 and MI6 explaining that the security of Britain could be in jeopardy, as in an article in the Times.

It is worth noting the Times wrote “could”, the BBC news said “would” but as the BBC licence is in jeopardy can we assume that this normally virulently pro Left Wing BBC has been leaned on by the present Government to back the Remain campaign to then receive favourable treatment in their licence demands?

GCHQ’s mission to keep Britain safe.

This top secret arm of Britain’s fight against terrorism is not just for Britain’s benefit but for Europe, the Americas, and Middle & Far East. So these retired ex heads of our security obviously have not kept up with the modern world, scare-mongering for the in crowd.

JOHN L COOPER

Retired Port Welfare Officer

Honorary Freeman of the Borough.

What about all the extra cars?

I am writing with reference to the article in the Mercury of April 29 regarding the sale of Clere House in Ormesby which it states “could be replaced by houses.”

I appreciate the concerns which have been noted in respect of the safety of pedestrians accessing the pharmacy (and the Post Office which wasn’t mentioned) but I wonder if any consideration at all has been given to just how much of an impact any building work and consequent housing would have on the traffic situation in Pippin Close.

At present, parents of necessity, have to park in the close when taking their children to school. There is also the fact that access to the dental and doctors surgeries is gained via Pippin Close.

If planning permission is given and the possible nine dwellings are erected, then this will have a tremendous impact on traffic in and out of the close.

It is quite alarming to see the speed which some drivers use when exiting this area and who appear to be mindless of the dangers of their speed.

It is, after all, a close and by its very name is not a ‘through’ road.

At times due to the amount of cars attempting to access and leave the close there is a considerable amount of congestion.

Should planning permission be granted then there will obviously be even more vehicles using the close which, in itself, could create an extremely hazardous situation.

I would add that quite often the children who live in the close do play outside on the paths under the constant watch of their parents but how many car owners are aware of this and do they realise or comprehend the possible dangers?

I trust that every attention will be given to the situation and that traffic calming measures are put in place, together with suitable notices advising drivers of pedestrians who are attending the surgeries.

At present there are no signs of any sort at the entrance to the close indicating that there are children at play and pedestrians walking to either of the surgeries.

I would certainly urge all concerned residents to ensure that whatever building work is considered, the safety of pedestrians and, more importantly, the children, is paramount in the granting of any planning permission.

I trust that the local council will ‘take on board’ and give serious consideration to these concerns because it is not only pedestrian access which is of importance here but it is the huge impact of the increased traffic into and out of Pippin Close which must be addressed before any building is contemplated.

MARY CAYZER

Pippin Close

Ormesby Saint Margaret.

Testimonial was a big success

I would like through your columns to gratefully thanks all the good folks who came to Brian Smith’s football testimonial night.

It was a sell-out and a huge success.

Also thanks to all who who could not come but made donations.

Brian can now have his chair

COLIN SMITH

EU is no bargain,

figures are farce

I’m pleased to read some letters of support for the EU in our borough. It’s good to have a bit of competition although I certainly do not agree with any of it.

In reply to Jack Dye’s letter I certainly do not think we get a bargain when it comes to the EU.

The belief we pay just £350m is a farce.

The price we pay in regulation and rules is huge, the lack of opportunity to trade with the rest of the world, the price on public services from EU migration, other uncounted things including social cohesion, the fact that pay is kept low by an unlimited workforce, higher rents, unfair competition for lower paid jobs and also the lack of democracy and accountability is priceless.

The EU have not invested £540 billion in Britain. EU companies have and that is not just because we are in the EU it is because we have a dynamic economy, flexible and highly skilled workforce, low regulation etc.

The fact is most investments will continue into Britain regardless of being in the EU.

The fact is also 52pc of investment is from outside the EU and its percentage increases year in year out.

Our companies have also invested hundreds of billions into EU countries so it’s not a one way street.

In reply to the author of the other remain argument how can Brexit be a leap into the dark when we are already in the dark? Who knows what the EU beaurocracy will create next? What will immigration be after Turkey, Albania and Serbia join? What effect will this have on our society?

In terms we are better to have a say within the EU, more rubbish we have voted against 71 different pieces of legislation and lost 71 times, so much for our opinion!

In terms of Britain ruling the world comments, I’m British and proud but I do not believe we are better than any other race or nation but I do believe we will be better off outside the EU.

ANDY GRANT

Ormesby st Margaret

Let down by bus but pictures a joy

I was so pleased to see the photos of Martham scarecrows for me to keep in my Mercury.

I too, like Maureen Boneham, had bus problems trying to get to Martham. After standing for three quarters of an hour in Gorleston leaning on my walking stick, I had to give up. So disappointed.

M BASSETT

Blackwall Reach,

Gorleston

Lee was always on hand to help

I would like to thank Lee Sutton for all he did as councillor for the Central and Northgate ward of Great Yarmouth.

Lee was always ready to help anyone that got in touch with him. I always received replies when I emailed him for any concerns in the area.

Lee did so much, he gave reports on how much some of the play areas/parks have declined. I hope these places will now improve because of the hard work Lee has already put in.

Thank you Lee for your help and advice in all the work we have had done here in Nursery Terrace, you were so helpful with information on who to contact when I was struggling with issues.

Lee also attended all the PoNY meetings (People of North Yarmouth) where again he helped the Executive Committee with any problems they had.

You will be missed so much, and thank you.

BARRY and JOSIE FITZGERALD

Nursery Terrace

Thank you all for your votes!

I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the people of Claydon ward who voted for me in last week’s council elections. It is a privilege and honour to have been elected to serve as your councillor.

I would also like to show my appreciation for all the support I had during my campaign.

Cllr CAROL BORG

Claydon Ward

I would like to thank all those residents of Bradwell North Ward who voted for me in the local elections last week. We came very close to securing the election, missing out by just 11 votes. Thank you for taking the time to vote.

I would also like to thank Carl, Emma, Derek, Glenise and Julie for the invaluable help given to me throughout the campaign. Thank you all.

DAVID DREWITT

Conservative candidate.

I would like to thank the residents of Great Yamouth North for voting at last Thursday’s local elections.

It was a glorious day, even the sun stayed out. You have now elected me as your borough councillor and I will endeavour to do my best to represent you in all matters.

Cllr PAUL HAMMOND

West Caister

Through the columns of your newspaper, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone in West Flegg ward who supported me, voted for me on May 5 and helped me to such a resounding victory.

It is a great honour and privilege to be re-elected on to the borough council.

I hope to be able to continue making a difference to the lives of all inhabitants throughout the borough, but as always I will prioritise the issues affecting West Flegg residents and will always be available to listen and advise anyone who asks for help.

Cllr BARRY COLEMAN

Email

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that voted for me in last week’s election and to all the people that helped me get there.

I am proud to be elected as your councillor in the Southown and Cobholm ward and look forward to representing you.

Cllr PAULA WATERS-BUNN

Email

My grateful thanks are extended to all the parishioners of Winterton, Somerton and Hemsby who voted for me and elected me as the borough councillor for the East Flegg Ward.

The overwhelming support and encouragement that I received was greatly appreciated.

I would also like to thank my opponents for their fair and competitive campaigns and I look forward to serving all the members of my local community in the coming years ahead.

Cllr JAMES BENSLY

Great Yarmouth Borough Councillor

East Flegg Ward

Email

I would like to thank the residents of St Andrews Ward who voted for me on May 5. This will enable me to continue working with both residents and supporting community groups on local issues.

So again many thanks and I am looking forward to working for all the residents of St Andrews for the next four years.

MARLENE FAIRHEAD

I would like to thank all people who voted for me in the Central and Northgate ward of the Great Yarmouth Borough Council last Thursday.

Although not successful I have received some useful feedback from the surveys on the most pressing issues facing residents.

Thanks also go to the elections team, vote counters, and teams at the polling stations who had a long day dealing with the local and Police and Crime Commissioners elections.

Thanks also from Nicholas Dyer to the residents of Yarmouth North ward who voted for him.

TONY HARRIS

Churchill Road, Great Yarmouth