|
Thank you John (see below). I think most people in Norfolk and the
minority who actually care anything about The Broads would be quite
supprised to learn that the Broads Authority is actually a Quango.
You remember - the last Conservative government set them up. According
to other people these are comittees set up to "govern"? our resources,
but are not actually accountable to anybody, only the person who
set it up in the first place, the public have NO say what so ever!!!!
That is why you have the ridiculous situation in which you can ask
a question IN WRITING a week before and eventully get a PREPARED
responce with no oppurtunity to question their position!!!!! What
a world???
PAUL HOLDSWORTH, WAKEFIELD
Recently
I have taken a interest into the workings of the Broads Authority.
I was particuarly interested in the work of the various committees,
all of which are held in public. I find it very hard to believe
that there is no provision at the meetings for a member of the public
to ask a question from the floor of the meeting. You can write in
seven days prior to a meeting with your question and you will get
a prepared answer. Is it any wonder that there is very little public
support at the meetings? I for one would have to make a round trip
of 250 miles just to come and listen to a prepared answer - remembering
also that some of the meetings commence at 9.30am which would mean
me leaving home before 6am. There must be a lot more people who
would attend these meetings if more consideration were give to members
of the public.
JOHN
KENDALL, LEICESTERSHIRE (04/03/2002)
Rod
McBride's comments (see
below) about the new telephone number for the Police
HQ are off the mark. Wymondham is a different exchange area to Norwich,
so why not have a new number? What does it matter if it begins 01603
or 01953. The usual procedure is to divert the existing line to
the new line, so you can dial either and get through. After a period
of time, there would then be a message on the old line telling you
the number has changed - so it's not like they are leaving people
in the lurch. Anyway, what is this "simple and low cost procedure"
that can shift exchange lines from one area to another - news to
me. An 0845 number isn't too clever either, if somebody from Norwich
memorised that number, they may well dial it whilst on holiday in
Scotland - or wherever - not very useful?? Move with the times,
learn a new number, it's not that difficult.
GRAHAM
WHITE, NORWICH
Whoever
decided to change the telephone number for Norfolk Police, to coincide
with their move to new headquarters at Wymondham? Firstly, why was
it necessary in the first place? The current number has been in
use for several years and is well publicised. It is a simple and
low cost procedure to have an existing number permanently diverted.
Secondly, if it really was necessary why wasn't a local area code
(e.g. 0845) adopted. Or why not retain the Norwich code. After all,
Norwich is the administrative capital of Norfolk and most people
would think of using that for countywide authorities. A Wymondham
code is irrelevant to most people outside the locality. I understand
the new number is already causing problems to a resident in Norwich,
who happens to have the same number as the new police headquarters.
He is being plagued with calls to the Police because callers are
not using the Wymondham code. I sympathise with him because I used
to have a number just one digit different to a taxi firm, and I
used to get calls night and day. I hope the new headquarters at
least give a better response to phone calls. I recently called to
report a non emergency and waited 12 minutes on my mobile to be
connected to the right department. No wonder the 999 service gets
unnecessary calls!
ROD
MCBRIDE, STRUMPSHAW 13/02/2002
New
hospital's beds crisis
See
the hospital message board for more comments
Having
had to visit outpatients last week I am appalled at the conditions.
The consultants' room was a disgrace, small and with an examination
couch crowded up against a walll without the benefit of natural
light. The staff were consistently running back and forth calling
out names over a crowded waiting room, they must lose their voices
by the end of a shift. The heat was unbearable, the directions muddled.
All my sympathy goes to those who have to work there. A change of
management would help.
Incidentally
I thought the following might amuse - it is completely true. In
1935, August 10th, I was a patient in the King Edward 7th Ward at
the N & N, had a septic elbow which needed an op (no antibiotics
in those days). When I was recovered, my mother asked them to examine
my tonsils as I was subject to bouts of tonsillitis.聽
The
verdict was they must be removed, we will send for her in a few
weeks. I still have my tonsils.聽 Is this聽a record waiting time ?
M
SKERMER, SHERINGHAM 14/01/02
We
have a brand new hospital open in Norwich and it is in the news
that we have a bed shortage already??? What a feat of incompetence!
HELEN,
DEREHAM 7/1/2002
I
agree with Helen. The question that should be asked is who decided
to move a hospital at this time of year?
PHIL,
TAVERHAM 9/1/2002
Every
winter that I can remember, we have had a 'bed crisis' in Norwich.
Surely the timing of the opening of the new hospital was extremely
badly planned, I would even go as far as to say bordering on lunacy,
particularly as there are far fewer beds in the new hospital. Surely
it would have been better to wait until the summer.
L WARWICK, NORWICH
Proposals
for a new nightclub in Norwich
click
here for the news story
I
personally think Norwich, and the Prince of Wales area, doesn't
need another nightclub to open in such a congested part of the city.
And I hope that the council keeps opposing the request for another
one in the old ABC cinema building. It is about time of directing
our thoughts to the people who live and reside in and around that
area. All those young people milling about in great numbers, and
causing problems, with traffic congestion and the noise aspect too.
There are only going to be more tragedies, regarding young people
who are drunk and not taking enough care when they emerge from the
clubs into the real world out there. The S.O.S Bus is coping with
many young people who are feeling very worse for wear, and it is
a good thing that some are able to be helped to sober up and get
help to make their way home in safety. So please keep the nightclubs
to a minimum. And think of the residents living in that area.
CAROLYN
DAVIES, NORWICH
Yes, another nightclub is the last thing Norwich needs ! As a resident
of Pottergate I am astounded at the noise tolerated from the local
nightclubs, at 3am most night of the week, they are still playing
the loudest music possible. THUMP THUMP THUMP...instead of sleeping
this is what I have to listen too. The police are not interested,
and the council, well, needless to say they are motivated, not by
'quiet enjoyment' of their residents, but the money these places
provide.
S
BLAKE, NORWICH posted 7/1/02
Six-term
school year:
The
Government are proposing alterations to the school terms. They are
proposing six terms during the year, shorter summer holiday and
the abolition of the Easter Break. I can think of two very good
reasons for not going down this path:
1. Easter is a religious festival just the same as Christmas. What
will happen is that children will be absent from school at Easter
so that they can be with their family,whether they go away on holiday
or not.
2. Who is going to look after all of these children every time there
is a holiday? Will the parents be asking for more holidays in order
to look after the children? It is only a matter of 18 months since
the last alterations to the school terms. What do other people think
of these proposals?
JOHN
KENDALL, LEICESTERSHIRE
Information
about Norfolk
Hey there. I never lived in Norfolk,
but it was always my childhood holiday and dream to live there.
I currently live in Phuket in Thailand and am applying to the University
of East Anglia. If anyone can give me any info that they feel I
should know about this place please feel free to
email me... I miss Norfolk terribly and can't wait to get there!
LOUISE SELF, PHUKET, THAILAND
A47
Acle Straight dualling
There has been a lot of discussion lately
re the Dualling of the A47 Acle Straight. As an outsider who uses
the A47 quite a lot, could someone please enlighten me as to what
proposals are in hand for improving the approach road into Great
Yarmouth over Vauxhall Bridge? I just cannot see where speeding
up the traffic and increasing the flow of traffic is going to be
any benefit at all. Whenever I visit Great Yarmouth I always take
the Caister road at Acle and travel down through Martham. That road
could certainly do with improving. A stretch of the A47 was dualled
in Rutland and that stretch of road now is one of the most dangerous
in Leicestershire.
JOHN
KENDALL, LEICESTER
Off-street
parking charges for disabled
This time last year North Norfolk District Council tried to bring
in parking charges for disabled people on their Off Street Car Parks.
This was to cover all Orange/Blue Badge Holders who did not receive
Vehicle Licence Exemption. Disabled people in North Norfolk campaigned
and won them over. Unfortunately it now looks as though North Norfolk
District Council has decided to try again this year - although this
time it will cover all Orange/Blue Badge Holders. Broadland do not
charge motorists to park, whether they be disabled or ablebodied.
Other areas have a three hour period where the disabled can park
free of charge. We (the disabled in North Norfolk) feel that North
Norfolk District Council are picking on the disabled because they
feel that they are an easy target. Like myself, there are loads
of disabled people (wheelchair users) who live in the villages in
North Norfolk. They are unable to get a bus to the nearest town,
because the buses are not wheelchair accessible. The cannot afford
to use taxis because most, if not all, are living on benefits. The
car is the only other choice. Whether it's an old banger, or a Motability
Contract Hire car, it still has to have petrol put into it and most
disabled are limited to a set amount each week/month. If they are
expected to pay 40p per hour to park, the money they have to spend
on petrol will be reduced. I feel that most disabled people will
abandon the car parks in favour of parking on double yellow lines
for the three hours permitted - excluding other restrictions that
is. What do other people feel about this proposal. By the way, in
Essex it only costs 20p to park for three hours and in Suffolk 30p
for two hours, from what I can gather from a
letter in the press the other week.
ANN
R ARGENT, ERPINGHAM
Silent
'e'
I am a true 'Norfolk bloater' having been born on Marine Parade,
Great Yarmouth. My comments relate to pronounciation by commentators
particularly of the name of the Suffolk town of Lowestoft. I was
brought up to leave the 'e' silent, as with the the Yarmouth neighbouring
town of Gorleston, so pronouncing it 'Lowstoft'. This is confirmed
in the latest dictionary and to be fair I have heard ony one commentator
pronounce it as such. All others say Lowe- s- toft. I could be taken
to task in this observation. Regards,
J.WINTERBURN
City
spoiled
I was born and bred in Norwich and left in 1950 as my husband was
moved to Luton, then to Nottingham, then to Yorkshire and then to
Warwickshire. I was always longing to get back here and eventually
in 1987 retired to Sheringham. I am so pleased with everything except
the City of Norwich - I think the planners have spoiled it. Why
didn't they take a look at York and see how the character of the
place has been kept yet traffic flows freely? My husband didn't
enjoy his retirment for long, but I'm still enjoying life here.
I do hope the planners never spoil Sheringham.
Disappearing
pears
Where have Robin Pears gone? I remember these small, juicy pears,
but have not seen any for sale for so many years. I had to live
in several parts of england before returning 'home' in retirement,
but still cannot find those sweet, pears, about two bites to one
pear. Also - I am sorry to hear people not using the pronunciation
of place names. We always said 'Hunstan' and Webbun. I still try
to use these words but think I am looked on as eccentric! Perhaps
I am.
MARJORIE SKERMER, SHERINGHAM
City
redevelopment
I find it interesting that two of the views against developing
the former Caleys site come from the USA. Having lived in the Washington
DC area for some 20 years I have seen development destroy surrounding
parkland and increase traffic flow to intolerable levels. Norwich
planners would do well to leave their enclave and see what damage
over-development has done to other communities. I visit Norwich
every four years to see my family but alas the city's charm is being
crowded out by narrow minded planners. They need to market the city
as a tourist attraction and focus on the city's heritage. Wouldn't
that create jobs?
PAUL
TURNER, VIENNA, VIRGINIA, USA
The redevelopment of the old Caleys (then Mackintosh and Caleys
and now Nestle) site is inapproriate for this part of Norwich. The
traffic which a multi-level shops and parking facility will generate
will make an already congested area of the city worse. Much better
to locate such a development to the outskirts of the city and leave
this site for residential only. An historic display would also be
appropriate since Caleys was an important economic and social fixture
of Norwich's past. Part of the old city walls also were adjacent
to this site and a display incorporating this aspect of the city
would be of value. I do not believe enough thought has been given
to the impact this scheme will have. I remember when most of the
east side of St Stephens was demolished to make way for the Norwich
Union development to the detriment to this wonderful street where
some fine buildings were lost. The loss of the wonderful Victoria
Station which could have become a centre for public use or incorporated
in the adjacent shopping scheme is another example of the loss of
our treasures. Think again, Norwich needs charm not more buildings
which serve to provide nothing special except more congestion. The
entire Chapplefield Gardens and Chantry Road area, with the Assembly
House, could be developed with a much more imaginate use allowing
for an exiting, liveable enclave in keeping with Norwich's vision
as an historic, charming and pleasant city. "A Fine City", not just
another shopping centre.
KENNETH
JESSETT, HOUTSON, TEXAS, USA
Life-savers
Again and again we hear of drowning tragedies on the Broads.
Many are accidents that need not have happened. I get so cross when
boatyards go the trouble to supply lifejackets to every person on
the boats and then they often don't wear them. They may be a little
uncomfortable and do not have a designer label - they are issued
with the sole purpose of saving life. I say that the wearing of
lifejackets should be made compulsory just as seatbelts are in cars.
Boats are not toys as a lot of people treat them - they are powerful
objects which need handling with care and respect. It is all to
easy to moor up at a nice pub, go for a drink and then jump back
on the boat, forgetting what the effects of alcohol has on you,
cast off, forget the lifejackets and, bang, a accident occurs. Many
could be prevented with a little thought.
JOHN
K, LEICESTER
Bus
Station
First time on web - like what I see, but wanted to comment on recent
visit to Norwich. Although it is a fine city with plenty to do,
what a mess and disgrace the bus station is! Any plans for an up-date,
instead of building more and more shops?
MARION,
SWAFFHAM GRANDMA
The
School Year
So the Commission for the Reorganisation of the School Year has
finally come up with a scheme for a six-term year. Chaired by a
former MP who, it would appear was in need of a job, I have to ask
the question: 'How much were he and his commission paid in fees,
salad lunches, out of pocket rail fares, car travel and overnight
hotel accommodation to come up with a proposal which any worn-out
teacher could have thought up standing on his or her head? Now we
will have eight-week terms and 4.5 week terms, and all that will
be needed now if the proposals are accepted without alteration will
be a new commission set up no doubt under another retired MP to
work out how the National Curriculum can be reorganised to fit in
with the new school year. Is any one interested in serving on this
committee? If so, then get writing to the new minister for work
Nick Brown saying what connection you have had with spreading or
eradicating foot-and-mouth. I am quite sure you are all suitably
qualified. Seriously though, is it any wonder that teachers do not
want to teach anymore? I feel much better now!
GLYN
WALDEN, DISS
Postcodes
I wonder if the residents in Norfolk
experience the same problems as me with regards to their postcode.
I live in the county of Leics. and unfortunate enough to have the
same postcode as one of the most deprived areas in the City of Leicester.
Trying to insure your car, home etc. you are paying way over the
norm. That is if you can find someone willing to insure you. Also
the value of your property is affected and the crime rate that is
published is the same for that post code. It might help the Post
Office to sort the mail but it certainly brings problems to people
who have invested in their property for the future.
JOHN
K, LEICS
|
