Milton view Regen could begin now
Dear Editor Recently a major consultation was conducted concerning ‘The Regeneration of Hamilton Town Centre’.
The Centre for Retail Research shows a major cause for the demise of town centres is high business rates.
Surely an invoice tax or a local purchase tax could be suitable replacements?
The RAC Foundation found that another major cause was the imposition of high parking charges.
These are two matters that could be dealt with immediately without waiting on the results of the recent consultation but with their fixation on treating drivers as a cash cow it seems unlikely South Lanarkshire Council will move on parking charges.
Readers may have noticed one of the 29 poles with a monitoring device on top of it strategically placed round Hamilton.
These supplied data to a traffic survey with a view to improving the flow of traffic in Hamilton.
If any reader has views on this they should contact South Lanarkshire Roads Department.
Perhaps some views on Peacock Cross would be helpful.
John L Rimmer (Sen) Park Road Hamilton Dear Editor As the nation looked to the skies this month to see the RAF’S most historic and newest aircraft fly over Buckingham Palace, it was a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by all RAF personnel during 100 years of service.
The flypast also marked the midway point for the RAF100 Appeal, a major fundraising drive launched by the RAF and its four main charities.
The RAF100 Appeal brings together the Royal Air Force, the RAF Association, the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF Charitable Trust, and the RAF Museum to establish a legacy that matches the vision of Viscount Trenchard who steered the formation of the RAF in 1918.
The appeal encourages the British public to get involved in the celebrations and help repay ‘the debt we owe’ and help to raise funds for the past, present and future RAF family, inspiring, honouring and supporting all who have given so much.
The centenary year of the Royal Air Force provides a unique opportunity to commemorate the service and the sacrifice of those who have gone before.
Very few British people can look back at their family history over the past 100 years and find themselves untouched by the courage, capability and achievements of the men and women who served – and continue to serve – in our Royal Air Force. The RAF100 Appeal provides an opportunity to show their appreciation and help support RAF charities.
People like Battle of Britain veteran Stan Hartill who serviced the Spitfires night after night during the Second World War, who lives in comfort and dignity thanks to the RAF Benevolent Fund, one of the appeal charities; or Mike Goody, injured while on patrol with the RAF Regiment in Afghanistan, whose home adaptations have given him back his independence.
As we look towards the next 100 years for the Air Force it is my wish that the legacy of this milestone will be to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten, their memories live on to inspire the next generation.
The RAF100 Appeal will support tens of thousands of individuals, young people, serving personnel and veterans.
To find out more or get involved visit : www.raf100appeal.org
Simon Collins Chairman, RAF 100 Appeal