I thank Ron Shewan for replying to my
letter about Wyre planning and affordable homes on the Thornton power station site,(The Gazette August 16).
However, the decision and its explanation still come as little comfort for those wanting to get on the housing ladder. A complete
revision of the policy is now appropriate to ensure this farce is not repeated.
By implication does this mean when this
affordable housing policy was created, the council had no knowledge of the presence of asbestos and its financial implications for this site and the developers?
Unfortunately, there is no comment on the traffic report for this estate; the
unacceptable use of obsolete data from 2000.
We are looking at between another 500 to 1,000 cars on Thornton's roads (excluding the other 380 houses in Fleetwood), and still no road improvements and the railway still as ever, remains unused.
Wyre planners gave the go-ahead before the consultation process had even been
completed and contrary to advice of
expensive consultants, who stipulated road
improvements were essential.
We are staring gridlock in the face and Wyre planning is playing the developer's
fiddle, whilst Thornton and Fleetwood choke on car fumes. No wonder Thornton Action Group have expressed a vote of no
confidence and Fleetwood wants its own council. I still maintain Wyre planning is not fit for purpose and must change before we all suffer.
Developments such as housing, the waste plant and proposed power station will
impose a massive increase of traffic on
already congested roads,will anyone explain as to what remedial action for traffic
congestion will be taken?
Mark Owens
Leslie Avenue, Thornton


Bring back half price peak time fare
I was puzzled with the letter from Eddie Bewes (The Gazette August 13) where he said he agreed with me on the idea of half priced fares for
pensioners.
As I haven't made any
statements regarding
pensioners fares since the Blackpool Council meeting in June may I clarify my
position.
Prior to the free fare scheme for pensioners going country wide, pensioners in Blackpool enjoyed an half fare prior to 9.30am and after 11pm.
This privilege was taken off them this year and they are now required to pay full fare at these times.
It was never the intention of the Government for this to
happen and we saw the Labour Government giving with one hand and the local Tory Council taking back with the other.
It was this unfairness I was
objecting to and asking for the re-instatement of the half fare for pensioners.
Many pensioners are still working and need to use the bus prior to 9.30am and also many others have doctors or hospital appointments early morning.
They should not be
penalised in this way.
It should be noted that every Tory councillor at the meeting voted against my
notice of motion.
Coun Fred Jackson
victoria Ward
Blackpool Council


NHS is a real asset to UK
Some people don't realise who lucky they are to have the NHS.
I have lived in the USA for the last 30 years. Hospitals there charge £200 per day for a bed alone, then ambulance, surgery, treatment, rehab would amount to thousands.
I had a serious accident here in UK recently and having nothing but praise for the NHS. My care at the Victoria and Clifton
hospitals was faultless. The home care I now get would also cost in the US
Name and address
supplied
Mill has greater protective status
In reference the story in the Fleetwood edition of the Gazette on Tuesday, August 5 "Heritage volunteer team will be created."
It states that Marsh Mill is a grade II listed building. In fact it is a grade II* (two star) listed building, a significant difference when it comes to the protection and conservation of its unique machinery, having been
upgraded in 2004 when Wyre Council sold this piece of Fylde heritage to Melrose
Developments.
Mrs Margaret Croker
Grange Road, Fleetwood
Rescuers did a great job
I would like to thank all the firefighters and rescue crew, Matthew Robin, vet from Oakhill Centre, Sam Smalley and Pete Langley of the specialist rescue for all their help in the rescue of Ben my horse.
They all worked very hard in saving him and we thought we had but sadly we had to put him to sleep.
I've lost my baby but I know all was done that could be, he is not in pain now. I wish I could name them all but there were too many.
Ann Marie Tyson
Pharos Street, Fleetwood
Thanks for help with bed push
ON behalf of the members of the Mind Social Centre I would like to thank all those who
supported our recent charity bed push on Blackpool Promenade.
A magnificent total of £352.43 was raised, which will be used for the benefit of all of our
members.
Once again a big thank you to everyone who helped out with the event and supported us in out fund raising activities.
JANET PENDLEBURY
Secretary
Mind Social Centre
Blackpool