9:50am Saturday 4th July 2009
Sir - Councillor Manuel Camacho welcomes parking charges at Bentham because “some cars are parked there all the time” (Craven Herald, June 18). This is true, because some people have nowhere else to put their vehicles.
These people (who elected Councillor Camacho and who pay his expenses) expected him, not unreasonably, to protect their interests. He has not done so.
He said: “Charges will free spaces for shoppers and I want to protect shopping in the Main Street.”
It may have escaped Councillor Camacho’s notice that most of Bentham’s loyal shoppers are pedestrians. Some shoppers do use cars, but we have managed quite well so far.
I have asked people I know, who live in outlying villages and farms, if they would continue to shop in Bentham if they had to pay to park. Booth’s supermarket in Settle is going to be very pleased with Coun Camacho.
So, again, our Independent councillor is not protecting the interests of Bentham traders.
What about the commuters who come to work in our banks, shops and post office? What about the teachers? At £3.50 per day, parking will cost each individual £17.50 per working week.
I am delighted that (council leader) Councillor Chris Knowles-Fitton does not think this is an onerous proposal.
The proposed annual residents’ permit – for a maximum of two hours a day (Councillor Marcia Turner) – is unacceptable. Residents already pay a considerable community charge for inferior services to a council which has just proved itself to be totally incompetent in the handling of public finances. This extra tax is unacceptable.
Craven District Council takes enough money from us already – and loses it. What are residents supposed to do once the two hours expire?
Where are residents supposed to park on market day when the car park is used for market stalls?
It is shameful that the implications of pay-and-display parking in Bentham have not been properly thought through.
There will be more pressure on free on-street parking in areas where houses were built without parking spaces. In some cases (my home for example) cars had not been invented when the houses were built.
One can only wonder at the reasons for Coun Camacho’s decision to help Craven District Council’s economy by advocating the introduction of parking charges, in total dismissal of the wishes and well-being of the residents and traders of Bentham, some of whom voted for him.
One can only wish that Bentham had councillors of the calibre of those who represent Cross Hills, where parking charges were rejected because, as Coun Stephen Place said, “people use the service centres because they are convenient. If we introduce charges, these people are going to go elsewhere”.
There is nothing else to say. As with Cross Hills, so it should have been in Bentham.
Margaret Ellis, Main Street, High Bentham
Sir - I would like to notify readers who drive in Earby that the road markings on the junction of Water Street and Stoney Bank Road, above, have been altered after more than three years of requests to the council for action to improve safety at this unnecessarily wide junction.
The new road markings have been put in place for two main reasons.
Firstly, it is in order to increase the safety of the immediate residents whose homes are on the junction and pedestrians, particularly those with young children in prams and pushchairs, who have to cross the junction in the face of turning traffic and people who illegally use it for a turning point.
Secondly, the sight line for drivers turning right out of Water Street/Red Lion Street towards Earby centre is vastly improved by the new positioning further to the left. It is much easier to see round the curve of the road to the right, as people who live here have been aware for a long time.
The widened hatched area has been put there for the protection of residents who have to park there and to enable them to park a bit further from the very narrow pavement, allowing pedestrians more room to pass on the pavement side, so they don’t have to walk round the outside of the cars in the path of traffic.
There is insufficient funding at present to pave the parking area or to widen the pavement, but we are still campaigning to get this done in the future and, despite the length of time we have been asking for help, the recent action from the council has been prompt and efficient.
If you are driving in this area, PLEASE obey the new road markings. If you are coming from Earby centre and turning left into Red Lion Street do not cut the corner by driving on the white hatched lines which have been put in place to protect a parking area for residents. They are not part of the driving area of the road.
Please treat this manoeuvre with care, slow down and signal your intention before you turn and do not use it as a turning point, which makes it very unsafe for pedestrians and other drivers.
Tessa Bird, Water Street, Earby
Sir - Recently, I had to withdraw from voluntary work for Skipton and Craven Action for Disability (SCAD).
It was with some sadness, as I have been associated with the excellent organisation since 2000 and was the chairman for some years.
Annually, I appealed for alterations to buses in order to allow access to them for anyone with a mobility problem (and, indeed, mums with pushchairs).
My last letter was to the Craven Herald in 2007. I am not aware of any changes.
A large percentage of the population in the Skipton/Craven area still cannot access their local transport system.
Free passes are of no use when they cannot be used.
The membership of SCAD has trebled since I became involved and we now have six minibuses (there were two when I joined).
As chairman, I saw Gill Dixon, the previous chief executive of Craven District Council, who promised more dialogue (corridors across the setts for wheelchairs, more parking for the disabled) as did other councillors – but nothing has happened.
This is discrimination on quite a large scale against a rising number of people who are entitled to access onto their buses if they are able to do so.
Yes, I feel strongly about this and know that I have the support of our membership. I still remain a member.
Elizabeth Gray (Mrs), Station Road, Long Preston
Sir - I see that Sir Stirling Moss, the former racing driver, left, believes that pensioners over 70 should be made to retake driving tests.
It set me wondering:
* How many bones has he broken during his long and illustrious career?
* How many accidents has he had?
* How many other drivers have suffered injuries involving his vehicle?
* Which age groups do insurance people prefer to deal with? And why?
* If government figures show that older people are not more accident-prone, why does he feel another test is needed?
* What have road signs to do with careful driving or the way roads are formed.
* Will Mr Moss pay for all elderly people in rural areas who have to rely on a two-hourly bus service if they are deprived of their licence?
* Just because someone lost her son to an elderly driver, a mere 69, does not mean you are degenerate at that age.
* What proportion of accidents are recorded in the age groups 16 to 26; 26 to 46; 46 to 66 etc?
However, it is true that as you get older, you take more care because you know that if you do have a “mishap” you are more likely to be disqualified (due to age) than a younger person and your bones take longer to heal.
PS: When I think I am beginning to lose my abilities as a driver (or my eyesight), I will deprive the Government of my road fund licence, my insurance company of its rakeoff, the local garage of the petrol and replacements income and the breakdown service of their need.
Jeff Bilbrough (DOB 07-01-26), Hebden Hall Park, Hebden
Sir - Could I please extend a “well done” message to the organisers and volunteers of Grassington Festival who staged a fantastic event by the River Wharfe in Grassington last Sunday.
It seemed to me that the whole of Grassington and local area had come along to cheer for their friends and family who were taking part in the raft race. With families gathered by the river under gazebos, enjoying picnics and listening to the brass band, the day oozed with quintessential Englishness.
The team always excel in their imagination and organisation of events during the time of the festival. However, I think even they were surprised at the success of this event. It really did capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike and was one event that demonstrated a real sense of community.
It’s always great to have an event that is accessible to families, free of charge and that offers the opportunity for a whole community to be involved in something that could become a village tradition.
I’m sure others will support me when I say a big thanks to all concerned for a great event.
I’m especially impressed with the sunshine that graced the day. We’re already looking forward to next year!
Well done.
Debi Hawkins and family, Gisburn Road, Barnoldswick
Sir - The charity, Dogs Trust, runs a special domestic violence project in Yorkshire and urgently needs volunteer dog foster carers in the Craven area to help us help women flee domestic violence.
Research shows there are definite links between domestic violence and the abuse of animals.
Indeed, women will often remain in a violent situation as they fear their pet will come to harm if they leave their partner.
Refuges often do not allow pets, so victims must make the choice between their own safety and that of their dogs.
The Dogs Trust Freedom Project offers a free temporary foster care service for the dogs, allowing women in this terrible situation to know that their beloved pet will be cared for and they can escape the violent household and into safety.
All food and veterinary costs are paid for by the Dogs Trust, total anonymity is assured and for safety reasons dogs will not be fostered in the area where the owner lives. Freedom Project staff will provide support and monitor each placement on a regular basis.
Carers should be at home for most of the day and have experience of owning a dog.
If you are able to help, please call Dogs Trust on 0800 298 9199 or email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk.
Clarissa Baldwin, chief executive, Dogs Trust, Wakley Street, London
Sir - How depressing that the High Court has quashed the Traffic Regulation Orders on our green lanes.
We remember Gorbeck Road before the expensive work that made it part of the Pennine Bridleway: it was gouged out a metre deep in places by the activities of the off-roaders, making it unwalkable and impossible for bikes or horses.
Who is going to pay for repairs when the motorised gang come back? And are walkers supposed to get off the narrow track to allow motors to pass?
We hope the national park has a good lawyer to help them solve this matter.
John Towers, Townhead Way, Settle
Sir - Will the wife of the wagon driver who packs her husband an orange each day please stop – he doesn’t eat them anyway and they are causing a serious litter problem on the B6479 between Settle and Horton-in- Ribblesdale.
John McKay, Bransghyll Terrace, Horton in Ribblesdale
Sir - The Good Pub Guide is launching its annual national search to find the best value in pub meals out.
Which pub will win the coveted title of Bargain Pub of the Year?
We are calling for your help!
Please name your favourite bargain pub by writing in, or log on to our new website thegoodpubguide.co.uk. We’re looking for anything which gives really great value.
Here are some for instances: tasty two-course lunches at rock-bottom prices, two-for-one early bird suppers, super value steaks or pies with a free pint or glass of wine thrown in, OAP specials (sometimes even student specials) or pocket-friendly themed nights out.
Please help us spread the good news: the more people who hear about local pub bargains, the more customers will turn up, and this in turn helps to keep the prices down.
Fiona Stapley, Editor of The Good Pub Guide, Ebury Press, 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 2SA.
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