I am a retired HGV and bus driver. For quite a considerable time I have stayed away from this roundabout because other drivers do not seem to know the laws which apply to
negotiating roundabout and this one needs that knowledge.
However, after reading lots of letters about the new markings, I decided to look at it, so I approached it down Bispham Road and
exited through Devonshire Road, perfectly, exactly as it should be. If you drive according to the law, it's safe.
One of your correspondents thinks traffic lights would help.
This seems to be the in thing, lots of
authorities are installing them. Why?
The law requires when approaching a roundabout that you slow down, be prepared to stop, give way to slower traffic already on the roundabout and traffic coming from the right. Obey the law for roundabouts and you don't need traffic lights.
If everyone drove within the law it would be so easy. Can I remind drivers of the first three statutory laws, which all drivers are obliged to obey.
Always drive, at such a speed and in such manner that you can stop to avoid an
accident.
Drive to the left, except when overtaking. Only overtake when it's safe to do so.
If you drive always trying to keep these three laws, and be careful on roundabouts you will be a much better and safer driver.
There is also one unwritten law which has stood me in good stead over many years.
Remember, there is only one sane driver on the road, the rest are nuts, and they are all coming towards you.
Des Horton
Rydal Avenue, Fleetwood



Be careful about collections
At a time when working people are feeling the financial pinch, with fuel bills, loan rates and mortgages all far higher than they should be,
donations to charity are being squeezed.
It is therefore disgraceful that
companies are delivering carefully worded flyers about clothing
collections.
These are designed to confuse donors into giving their spare clothes away, thinking that these will help a charity.
The North West Green Party is
urging all residents to carefully read any flyers delivered through your door about clothing
collections.
A registered charity will always identify itself through its name and charity number.
We need legislation that requires commercial companies to make
absolutely clear that they are a
business and not a charity.
In the meantime, in the run up to Christmas, please do support real
collections from genuine charities.
Peter Cranie and Maia Whitelegg
North West Green Party



Raise booze price
I write regarding cheap booze on the shelves of many supermarkets and shops.
In my opinion the only real way to actually curtail the sale of cheap booze is to raise the price.
The way to put this into
operation is to impose a heavy tax on all alcoholic drinks.
The money collected from this tax could be used in a
positive way to tackle the problem of alcoholism.
Many in our community may complain having to pay more for what is called
normal drinking but that to me would be a selfish attitude as we have a responsibility to try to restrict the sales to persons who are out of
control with their drinking habits and need help.
Booze is now cheaper than it has ever been. Let's all bring it back into perspective.
Alan Houghton
Bloomfield Road
South Shore



Parking fees are sky high
As a regular visitor to Blackpool, following the Seasiders and
staying in town many times, I'm stunned to see the charges in the main car park go up again to £7 for over six hours.
Down right robbery! Why is Blackpool Council doing this?
Paul Smith
Wharfdale Avenue
Billingham


Pavement riding leaves a mess
IT'S not only in Carleton where horse owners think they own the world by riding on the pavement instead of the road.
I regularly walk my dog along East Park Drive, from Marton up towards the hospital and some horse riders are confusing the footpath on the zoo side of the road for a bridleway.
I clean up after my pet but I have never seen any horse
owners dismount to collect the
manure that people then have to avoid.
Not only that, but one woman expected me to move over as she (or rather the horse!) trotted along in the middle of the
pavement.
name and address supplied



Window work is a wonder
I would like to congratulate Warwick's Amusements on their window displays which an aim to please the customer and the eye of every beholder at the change of every season.
Having only seen Talbot Road, Church Street and Central Drive I imagine the others are as equally effective with an array of reindeer, or a mirage of red baubles and white, incorporated in a design unique to anywhere else and
sensitive to the theme of this
festive time.
Looking into each spectacle I am transported back to my childhood, feeling I could actually enter each scene and find myself in a land similar to Narnia.
Despite all the well established stores and in particular the new Debenham's it does seem that their efforts are nowhere near as well thought out or designed to create something as pleasing.
The efforts and artistic talents of those responsible for Warwick's Amusements window tableau's are far superior to anything else I have seen in Blackpool.
The staff responsible deserve all credit due.
It seems to me this puts displays at some of the larger (and one might assume more experienced) stores to shame.
Clifford Chambers
Ashton Road, Blackpool