So who has been telling fibs?

THE front page of the Mercury (May 22), states The Port Will Deliver.

The “powers that be,” through the pages of your newspaper, are endeavouring to convince us a container port will only prove beneficial for the borough. In reality when reading the article, Mr Hardy and Mr Watkins arrogantly talk as though the people of Yarmouth Borough have no intelligence or thoughts on the matter.

They keep talking about benefits the container service will bring, but neither says what benefit. Reading their dialogue implies, “People of Yarmouth be quiet we know what we are doing, so stand back and leave us be.”

Mr Hardy explains that container traffic will most likely move at night and for convenience will use Haven Bridge to get to the industrial area; but the containers are not destined for our industrial area but other places in the UK, this despite the fact the left turn from South Quay over Haven Bridge is tight even for a 40ft articulated truck taking up both lanes.

Is the Bure Bridge not up to taking heavy traffic? The seafront route being barred to freight traffic, logic dictates that the Bure Bridge is a more direct route to the A47, although it is rumoured that North Quay will be redeveloped with luxury riverside housing and the road reduced from three to two-lane traffic. Thus, Mr Hardy's proposed route will result in greater traffic congestion and chaos than the intolerable present situation.

Mr Hardy also mentions Norfolk Line; well he cannot compare the Norfolk Line era with today's heavy traffic, as there was much less general traffic then and even at that time Norfolk Line pulled out because of the chronic lack of a direct route out of Norfolk.

Is Mr Hardy advocating this ridiculous route to sway public opinion towards the long proposed third river crossing but which if it reached fruition would kill the inner harbour to most commercial shipping.

Why? Well because there is not enough room to build a high enough bridge for the normal shipping into the Yare to clear, unless it will be a lift bridge, sending current users to better alternatives thus losing us more employment and revenue?

I have studied every artist impression of the outer harbour published in the Mercury and EDP since 1997 but none of the pictures show a container ship, in fact in October 2006 the artist's impression shows a Ro Ro passenger ship.

It was always my understanding public funding was granted on the basis of servicing offshore, wind power generation, Platform decommissioning, Ro Ro, creating 1,000 local jobs plus 120,000 tourists per annum from Ro Ro traffic. Who has been telling fibs?

I am very unclear as to who actually owns the new outer harbour; is it the borough of Yarmouth, or private share-holders or a combination of the two? I thought the citizens of Yarmouth actually owned the harbour from the granting of the charter in the 13th century. Has the council totally abdicated our ownership?

I am not expressing my views because I feel that the project may fail, in fact quite the reverse, as we all want it to be a great success. I have been involved with the port since an apprentice at Gus Lee and Boswell in the fishing era 60 years ago, and in recent years the welfare of seamen for 24 of those years, 15 in the Port of Yarmouth.

In conclusion, I ask Mr Hardy the following question: It is my understanding that the various authorities have effectively handed over our port, together with �18m of public money, to a private company for over 100 years in exchange for building a new outer harbour which will mainly, and possibly solely, be to the benefit of that private company. Is this correct?

J L COOPER

Burnt Lane

Gorleston

AS a ratepayer and a conscientious person, I was very angry the other morning because, after reaching the Caister recycling depot at 10am a sign was displayed to the effect that there would be a 35 minute wait to get into the depot. Although I had an appointment to keep back in Bradwell, at 11am, I decided to queue in the hope that we might be allowed in sooner!

However, after the 35 minutes was up and no move forward, I just could not wait any longer and had to turn round and take my garden refuse back home. I do not expect to spend all morning waiting to dump rubbish. The fortnightly emptying of our bins necessitates visiting this depot more frequently.

We are constantly being reminded about our “carbon footprint”, so having to return to the “tip” yet another day, using more petrol, is not helping the environment. No wonder people resort to “fly tipping”.

When I have got into the depot I find it very difficult to tip my garden rubbish from black bags into the conveyor bin. I am not very tall and to just lift the weight and push the stuff out of the bag is quite exhausting.

The Caister depot has recently undergone changes. They have reduced the hours of opening and restricted the number of vehicles allowed in at any one time - all of which, in my opinion, has slowed the efficiency and purpose of the site.

BERYL PAYNE

Bradwell

VAUXHALL bridge has become an eyesore because repairs have never been maintained. There was a substantial offer made by Asda in return for an extension on their outlet, a strategy that has worked for Tesco, but was rejected.

The bridge is just another piece of “old Yarmouth” that we're in danger of losing, among others. Too much history has been lost to car parks and so called modernisation. This town could have been, by the very age, on a par with York, but that was before our history was lost to town planners.

Another building in a terrible state is a tower which is part of the town wall and can be seen between Park Surgery and Park Nursing Home on Alexandra Road. At the moment it is home to the local pigeon population. The tower is part of the Heritage Walk around the town. I can't help wondering what visitors think as they're told the history of the town.

For us old 'uns that remember the town as it used to be, don't let anything else disappear from our history please!

MRS BERYL CANTELL

Tyrolean Square

Great Yarmouth

WITH reference to your article about Vauxhall Bridge in the Mercury, May 15, I think it would be a great pity to tear the bridge down. At present it looks unsightly, but fully restored and repainted, it would present a splendid sight once again and show visitors arriving from the station that Great Yarmouth is justifiably proud of its historic fabric.

Also, if it is going to cost �500,000 to dismantle the bridge, how much might it cost to replace it with anything as remotely striking? It will probably turn out that the �1m estimated cost of revamping the bridge is by far the most cost effective alternative.

BRIDGET HERIZ

Southtown Road

Great Yarmouth

I FIND it very strange that in Great Yarmouth metered parking is on the increase but in Gorleston, run by the same council, on the seafront it is free, and on Gorleston Cliffs. Is the council trying to discourage tourism from Yarmouth?

MS BAUVTER

Beatty Road

Great Yarmouth

IT is hard to think of a better advert for the future of Great Yarmouth than the transport vessel Zhen Hua 6 with its towering cargo of cranes. The ship helps us grasp the sheer scale of EastPort UK, which is now able to welcome vessels up to 30,000 tonnes - six times the size of the ships we see entering the river port. How encouraging to see the wave of support for the outer harbour, led by existing river port users, Asco, J&H Bunn and Pasta Foods, who share the understanding of the port's new potential. 1st East shares the borough council's optimism that EastPort UK is good for local businesses and their growth. The cranes are the physical embodiment in the town of a multi-million pound investment from overseas; a ship delivering the hopes of those who for the last 50 years have worked towards a transformed port. Great Yarmouth's ship really has come in!

PHILIP WATKINS

Chief Executive

1st East

HOW it saddens me to see Pontin's at Hemsby empty as the summer approaches. We had some great holidays there when my family were young. If this site is to be kept for tourism, I understand this but why does someone not see the potential for all year facilities that benefits tourism, local people for miles around and local businesses.

Enlarge on the swimming pool adding chutes, slides, wave machines etc, use the existing venue buildings for an ice skating rink and a roller rink, why not a bowling alley. These could be used by all local people and the many visitors from Great Yarmouth to Wroxham bringing all your trade to Beach Road and surrounding areas.

The local gym could also benefit from the pools as they did with Pontins. Is there not a local entrepreneur out there with foresight to see how good this could be and what a success for all rather than letting it all rot.

Mrs A CAFFELL

Prince of Wales Road

Caister

I HAVE just returned from a visit to the Great Yarmouth Beer Festival, held at the Priory Centre, and thought I must write to say what a fantastic all-round experience it has been. In my younger days I went to school there when it was St Nicholas Priory School, and apart from providing me with a trip down memory lane, it was great to see the centre being used with such success. The Priory Centre and its staff provide a great venue for Blackfriars Brewery to host an event that really shows off the town at its best. With great beers and cider to taste, good entertainment and excellent service, there was a strong feeling of camaraderie, and even the weather played its part and stayed fine and warm for people to sit in the lovely garden. Thanks to all who took part. I hope it will continue for many years and I will be sure to be first in the queue next year to buy my ticket.

PHILIP C SMITH

Bracon Road

Belton

UNDERSTANDABLY, all politicians are getting a hard time as they campaign on the doorsteps at the moment. Like everyone else I am angry and disgusted at the behaviour of some MPs at Westminster.

It will take a new generation of MPs to bring an end to the cosy arrangements that allowed individuals to apparently profit from the tax payer.

If I were elected Great Yarmouth's MP, I will be completely open about all of my expenses and allowances, publishing full details every year. I will only claim expenses for costs I have incurred in doing my job as an MP (eg travel costs and office allowances).

I will be a full time MP. I will serve all my constituents, regardless of their politics. I will always put the interests of Great Yarmouth first.

All those involved in politics need to concentrate on rebuilding the trust of voters. That is why I am being open and clear with people in Yarmouth. I hope others will follow my lead.

BRANDON LEWIS

Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate

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JOANNA Lumley's courage and persistence in taking on the government - and winning - is the one bright spot in the present gloom. Her father would be proud of her - as we are.

MISS R L FARMER

Marine Parade

Gorleston

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THE Vauxhall Bridge is an eyesore in its present state with its unsightly surroundings. With a new coat of paint it could look so much better as so much craftsmanship has gone into it; it should never have fallen into such a state as the bridge is part of our history. It is the area around the bridge that needs a complete lift, even the station, this area lets our town down badly. If the money is there, it should be used before we lose it. Why spend �40,000 on a feasibility study, as that money could go towards changing that area, so we can be proud of our town.

K DRAKE

Braddock Road

Caister

ONE DECK HEAD

LAST time these people were together as a group Margaret Thatcher was elected as Prime Minister, Pink Floyd released the album Another Brick In The Wall and Alien was playing at the cinema. At lot has happened during the last 30 years and these people are hoping to catch up on what paths their lives took since leaving School in 1979. There is to be a reunion of ex-pupils of Caister-on-Sea High School that left in 1979 to be held on July 24 at the California Tavern. If you would like further information and to keep updated please contact me on 01493 377006 email: philip.newson@ntlworld.com.

PHIL NEWSON

ONE DECK HEAD

I THINK it's a bit thick to expect Asda to “fork out” towards the revamp of Vauxhall Bridge as suggested by a couple of correspondents in last week's Mercury. Had the council acted fairly and favourably over Asda's plans for expansion, as they have done when dealing with Tesco's applications, the whole situation would have been done and dusted!

PAULINE LYNCH,

Mill Lane,

Bradwell

WITH a lot of surprise and a lot more disbelief, I read the article in the Mercury about the Zhen Hua 6 running short of food. What a load of codswollop. This is major outfit who operate I believe around 20 vessels, some much larger than ZH 6 transporting cranes all round the world. I am sure they would not allow the crew to go hungry. I can just imagine the captain going shopping for food pushing his trolley round Sainsburys. There are major ship handlers in the port to do that for him. I can well understand the shortage of water. All ships with the exception of those with water making plants need freshwater every time they come into port. I understand that there is no FW piped onto the quay so it would have taken a few road tankers to top him up. After having travelled thousands of miles over several weeks her food stocks would certainly be well down, but not the level suggest suggested by a TV report

H G PERRY

Gorleston

THROUGH yours column I would like to thank Norfolk County Council. The bottom of Claydon Grove, Gorleston has been closed whilst road works have been taking place for the last two weeks. It has been a real joy not having to dodge the people that speed up and down the road as a cut through from Beccles to Burgh Road or vice-versa.

Also the road has been a lot quieter and the people that arrive here to park and go off to work for the day have had to go somewhere else. The school run (rat race) has also been re-directed. While I understand it may be inconvenient to some people it is very convenient for the residents, especially when you have to put up with the constant stream of traffic on a daily basis.

Perhaps the council could see fit to maybe putting traffic calming measures along the road, it may slow people down and potentially prevent any accidents.

J ELLIS

Claydon Grove,

Gorleston

I'M trying to track down a photograph of a rag and bone shop I believe was located in Great Yarmouth during the early to mid 1900s. I'm aware that Lacon's brewery was situated in this area, however I believe there was a small rag and bone shop located where Staples/Aldi is now. My mother's grandfather was the rag and bone man. He would go around Yarmouth with his horse and cart collecting materials etc to sell. I'd like to get a print of this shop for my mum's birthday. She's always had a fondness of trying to find a photograph of this. I would appreciate it greatly if anyone could help.

LYNDSAY CARLYON

lccarlyon@hotmail.com

I READ the story with interest regarding Mr Milner and his problems with getting on trains with National Express East Anglian trains. I use a disability buggy and must say that on the two occasions I contacted the train company and explained my situation they were more than helpful, they took my full details, both my home telephone number and mobile and where I would like to journey to and from Great Yarmouth.

On telling them my destination they gave me the train times and what I should do and gave me a code number and asked me to be at the train station at least 40 minutes before departure, where I would be helped to board the train. Once at my destination there would be someone waiting to see me safely off, and the same would apply on my return journey. The code number was in case of difficulties. In my case their customer services and help was good and I would not hesitate to use their services again. I was sorry to hear of Mr Milner's plight but we are all too quick to condemn, so to East Anglian trains thanks very much for all your help and courtesy.

ALFRED LEARMONTH

Paston Road

Gorleston

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