FURTHER to John Travis' letter (The Gazette, July 18) in which he criticised Line One buses for blocking the path of trams at North Pier, I can assure readers revised tram stop and bus stop arrangements will be
introduced as part of the tramway upgrade proposals.
Bus stops will be located close to the tram stops, but they will be positioned so they do not impede the operation of the new
low-floor tramway system in any way.
Funding for the tramway upgrade should become available for use during the winters of 2009/10, 2010,/11 and 2011/12. Part of the upgrade will involve significant changes to the tramway in the Talbot Square area. The council and my company are, however,
looking at ways in which the current
problems at Talbot Square can be reduced
before next summer.
Finally, I would advise Mr Travis that Blackpool Transport is responsible for the operation of buses and trams, whilst the council is responsible for the infrastructure.
Although Blackpool Transport is wholly owned by Blackpool Council, it is required by law to operate as a seperate, arms length commercial organisation.
The council's transport budget and
Blackpool Transport's budget are, therefore, seperate although the two organisations do try to cooperate closely to improve public transport on the Fylde coast.
Although Mr Travis may regard my
company's Metro Coastlines branding as a needless cost, it has in fact played an
important role in helping increase bus
patronage on the Fylde coast.
Steve Burd
Managing Director
Blackpool Transport


Law is ruining Blackpool trade
In response to the feature Calling Time (The Gazette, August 2)
I entered the hotel and licensing trade as a 15 year old in 1967, I
absolutely love my trade and my
fellow workers.
Since July 1st 2007 our summers have been dreadful and our winters wet, cold and gale force winds.
I can't even open my car door sometimes this summer it's been so windy and raining.
There could and should have been a solution to the smoking ban in non-eating pubs called choice, this ban is ruining working class
Blackpool, it's pubs, clubs, bingo halls, cafes, hotels, guest houses, and shops.
Our whole tourist industry was already in decline and needed
massive help instead it got this
oppressive ban.
I would be charged by the RSPCA if I put my two dogs out in the street. This ban also causes crime and
disorder.
The smoking ban is a blight on civilized society especially against the elderly and handicapped.
Hamish Howitt
Rigby Road, Blackpool


Pride for our Shelly
Reading the Gazette report on Shelly Woods'
preperations for the Beijing paralymics (The Gazette,
August 23), it really brought home the fact that there were no competitors from the Fylde area in the Olympic Games. However with the commencement of the Paralympic Games in Beijing we do have Shelly Woods facing several races, which is
absolutely fantastic.
During the earlier part of this year when my husband was Fylde Mayor, we had the opportunity of meeting Shelly. It was simply
exhilarating to feel her
enthusiasm for her sport and to overcome her disabilities.
I think through The Gazette we should be showing our support for this young lady and for her to know Fylde is whole heartedly behind her. We are proud of her for flying the flag for Fylde.
Coun Dawn Prestwich
Fylde Council


Young people fouling prom
I can understand Mr Smith's disgust (The Gazette, August 28) at the landau driver taking off,
having seen his horse foul the road, but only a little.
Yes, a rule was broken but I am far more offended by some of what I witness on the
Promenade.
Youths urinating in full view of passers-by, pools of vomit on the footpaths and once I even
witnessed a group of young ladies wearing L plates exposing their "charms" to passing
motorists.
So, yes, horses should not be
allowed to foul the road but I see far, far worse goings on on the seafront.
Charles Rittercolm
Laidleys Walk
Fleetwood
Park needs to be made safe
I am writing about park safety, having seen the headlines and story about the little boy who lost his finger (The Gazette,
August 27).
I feel it is only a matter of time before another child could lose a finger or thumb as the state of Crossland Park leaves a lot to be desired. I only had a second to stop my grandson putting his
finger into the rusty jagged holes that exist on the noughts and crosses equipment. Somebody please do something about it
before it is too late.
Mrs C Wenham
Morley Road
Marton
Thanks for flag day cash
The Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Branch of the Leukaemia
Research Fund held a flag day in Lytham on August 16 at which we collected £316.20.
We incurred no expenses on the day and so all the money will be forwarded to our Head Office in London for research into leukaemia and allied blood
disorders.
May I, through The Gazette, thank people for their generosity and cheerfulness in donating to our Fund.
Such support is greatly
appreciated.
Never a flag day goes by, but someone tells us of a friend or relative who has had leukaemia - it is always such a privilege to
listen to people's stories.
L M Whitworth
Hon Chairman
Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Branch
Leukaemia Research Fund