Do we have no pride in our city any more?
I RECENTLY met up with old friends from the USA who were in Coventry after visiting sites around the UK.
During our long conversations I asked what impression they had of the country, having not visited for many years.
“It’s dirty,” said one, and the others agreed. “Why is it so untidy? There’s rubbish everywhere, and why does no one empty trash bins, doesn’t anyone care?”
Since that conversation I began to see what they meant. It is dirty but I guess we just take it for granted, not really noticing that we have no pride in our environment until someone from another country points it out. Ouch! Another lesson learned. I hope our council takes note before the next round in the City of Culture bid. Bob Arnott Holbrooks
Too many blots on Coventry landscape
HOW I agree with George Moore (Letters, July 3) and other folks’ sentiments on the increase in high rise flats and our chances of being a City of Culture. Who has said these buildings look attractive? They are a blot on the landscape. Why does Coventry have to go overboard with cheap-looking buildings, and buildings that soon show their age? It is an awful place now with so many ugly buildings and no thought as to how a town or city should flow and create interest. We originate from medieval times and some of our buildings reflect this, and these places attract visitors, however the present growth of the city is enough to send people running in the opposite direction. It could be a bonus to be a student, as you would only have to endure the time your degree allowed you to stay here before you headed back to your home so as you can escape from the appalling hit-and-miss planning of the city.
If councillors love Coventry so much why don’t they show it when sanctioning buildings? Or is there more to it that we, the citizens, do not know about?
Sadly Coventry is looking tired, with a lack of vision and street cleaning. Living here a lifetime, I can say that.
When it comes to taste for our city, remember taste is not always in the mouth. Sandra Camwell Keresley
Find out about your city’s footpaths
WHILST I admire the poetic skills of Mike Mills (Poets’ Corner, July 3), the reality is that more people are walking public footpaths, not less.
Locally this is due to the many volunteers working in conjunction with the Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull councils to improve and maintain the numerous footpaths that abound in and around Coventry.
A Coventry Way Association currently maintains some 250 miles of these paths. To find out more visit www.acoventryway.org.uk or meet with us at the Godiva Festival in the Green Space Marquee. John Green Chairman, A Coventry Way Association
Rubbish collection changes? It’s a date
THE centre pages of the current issue of Coventry’s Citivision tells us about a new system for collecting rubbish bins that will start in September. The information tells us that those with queries can get some help and advice in Broadgate every Friday from July 24. July 24 is a Monday! Will our local councillors also be changing the calendar? Fred Foster Radford