As the Vice Chairman of the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 (Falklands
Veterans), I and many other Falklands War
Veterans visited your town to support Blackpool's Veterans Week Commemorations.
Unfortunately I am not writing to congratulate the organisers for a well-run programme but to express my disappointment at being issued with a Parking Penalty Charge Notice whilst attending the Coral
Island evening event for veterans, even though I had displayed a disabled driver's badge and clock in my vehicle.
I lost my left arm in action during the Falklands War and am now registered disabled with poor mobility. This unfortunate incident has taken the sparkle out of what was promising to be a very enjoyable time of reunion and commemoration.
I did consider appealing against the notice but have paid the fine in order to reduce the personal stress.
I did speak to the warden who issued the notice at the time, but he was not very sympathetic to my explanation. The weather was atrocious and I had parked in Central Car Park adjacent to a disabled parking bay as it was closer to where I had to walk.
He stated that I should have parked on double yellow lines on the sea front if I wanted to get closer to the entrance. He would not accept that I was less of an obstruction by using the half empty car park.
I do hope that not too many veterans had their visit ruined by such officious inflexible individuals.
John Phillips, DSC

Treated as second class citizens
Violence and drunkenness are taking priority in our
society over common sense.
I have twice been placed in
situations so absurd that unlike the normal come and go attitude of a mature adult, I seek
confirmation I am not the only person thinking second class
citizenship is being created to disrupt normal everyday life.
The first instance was when meeting passengers from a train at North station I was not
allowed into the timetable area to check arrival time.
Nor were there any seats, other than in the coffee shop, due to automatic barriers manned by three employees, who respectfully informed me they were there to keep out the drunks.
The second instance was at the Central Jobcentre where I was informed that, because of a previous violent occurrence, I had had to wait outside to be called for the appointment and could not sit for five minutes on the unoccupied seating inside. This was after a long walk and the wish to be composed for the appointment.
Am I correct in assuming that ordinary facilities are being
denied to law abiding people, creating more problems for
those of us trying to be sober, reasonable and polite. Is there now a policy of not punishing
offenders?
I am concerned that the security of property is more
important than common sense and decency.
I ask myself why I should pay for the actions of the few – albeit
indirectly?
R. J Lewis
Layton

Accept it
I agree there is a need for energy security of supply. For instance, the Gateway project to store gas in salt under the Irish Sea has
widespread support and is moving along smoothly.
Canatxx have had the
opportunity to put their case, at considerable
expense to the ratepayers of Lancashire and Wyre. They should now accept the
Secretary of State's
decision.
June Jackson
Stalmine


Stop driving on pavement
I agree with the concern over motorists who drive up kerbs and along or across the footpath in order to park their cars.
It is time something was done about this growing problem.
The council have told me it is a breach of the Highway Act of 1980.
It cannot possibly be safe to have moving traffic along the pavements.
As well as the damage these motorists cause to the footpath, it places the lives of pedestrians in danger, especially elderly people, the disabled and blind people. It will also make it very difficult for mothers with push chairs.
On many occasions in the Mereside and Great Marton area I have had to walk in the road because the footpaths have been obstructed by vehicles.
If people cannot learn how to correctly park their vehicles, they should sell them and use public transport. I sold my car a long time ago and find that public transport is more than adequate
S.Fox
Coughrigg Terrace
Blackpool.
Thanks for help in bad weather
Can I take the opportunity to thank the young lady who came to my assistance during the dreadful strong winds on Sunday June 23. I was hanging on for dear life to a post at the top of Squires Gate Lane.
I could hardly stand upright but she came and took my arm and helped me across the road to a bus shelter to wait for a bus.
She was an angel in disguise!
Mr B Russell
Heald Green
Protection laws distrust
In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in child
protection measures.
This has resulted from good
intentions but has resulted in poisoning the crucial and
necessary relationship between the young and adults.
What were once regarded as routine actions, for example, helping a child in distress, has now become a no-go area.
Fear, suspicion and distrust now dominate, not compassion.
It is a natural and human
instinct to help a child who needs assistance.
Today, however, we have to curb that spontaneous feeling for fear of having our motives
questioned.
The enormous scope of child protection since 2002 has
resulted in an atmosphere
of unhealthy distrust of all adults, including a child's own parents.
Soon we will all have to pass a test before giving any child a hug, perhaps even our own.
Barry Clayton
Fieldfare Close
Thornton