Dumped rubbish is a real health hazard

I WISH some people had more pride about where they live whether they rent or are home owners. I was really disappointed to see tons of rubbish being dumped around the private entries between the Cotes area of Westwood ward. People really need to consider what they are doing. This is not council land so the council will not collect it. This type of activity can and will have an adverse effect on the environment and local community. Potential chemicals in such waste can contaminate soil, for example, there is the potential risk of a secondary fire being started close to fences, sheds and people’s property etc. Disease transmission is also a real problem when it comes to rubbish like this being dumped. If the waste contains anything a rodent might eat for lunch, it will cause real problems with pest control and mouse or rat infestations. These animals are renowned for spreading diseases and they’re generally a huge nuisance, especially for those who live in close-knit areas, like this one. If you know who dumped this or know the homeowners/ landlords responsible for the properties, feel free to give them a nudge encourage them to get a skip etc. If you are thinking about dumping rubbish please re-think. Councillors Marcus Lapsa, David Skinner and myself will be pushing environmental to contact the homeowners if they are responsible, or the landlords. Hopefully we will then be able to issue an enforcement notice and help those responsible see the error of their ways. Councillor Tim Mayer (Con) Westwood ward

Ban on kitten and pup sales welcome

BANNING the sale of puppies and kittens at pet shops is a welcome move – as restrictions on heartless breeders are urgently needed.

Many of the young animals for sale in pet shops or via online adverts come from puppy mills, where female dogs are kept almost constantly pregnant. They spend their lives in cages, denied socialisation, exercise and veterinary care.

When their bodies are spent and they can no longer reproduce, they’re often killed. The puppies born in these facilities suffer from diseases because of poor conditions and inadequate care.

But while this new legislation may combat some of the worst forms of abuse on puppy factory farms, it’s worth remembering that it’s irresponsible and cruel for any breeder to continue churning out more puppies or kittens for profit while thousands of lovable and highly adoptable dogs and cats are euthanised in the UK every year for lack of good homes. People who are willing to commit to taking care of an animal properly should shun breeders altogether and save a life by adopting from their local animal shelter. Jennifer White PETA UK

Good news on loos for city church

IT is good news that Holy Trinity Church is to have a new accessible toilet (Aug 20). They will be ideal for many people and will be signposted. Ian Harris Radford