MEMORIES WERE MADE OF THIS
REPAIRS NEEDED AT JUNCTION
I WAS, as I am sure were many others, delighted to read the recent article in the Express, regarding the British Standards ISO financial award which Cheshire East Highways Department may be eligible to receive for its high level of asset management.
While I am sure the plaudits associated with the possible award are richly deserved, would it be not unreasonable of me to assume that some of it could be used to attend to the repairs/ replacements required at the junction of Ivy Road, Chester Road and Bishopton Drive in Macclesfield?
These refer to the lights which do not work, and the bollards which require replacing.
I have reported these ‘incidents’ on more than one occasion during the last 18 months – the latest being on February 22 – when I was given a job number for the work to be done.
Regrettably, nothing has happened so far, and it may be somewhat alarmist of me to suggest that it will be too late if/ when a serious accident occurs as a result of these deficiencies, followed possibly by a costly claim made against the Authority.
However, I am now content that the ‘asset managed approach to maintenance and repairs will be carried out with the right and appropriate degree of treatment’. Lewis W Cowen Bishopton Drive Macclesfield
‘SAFE ROUTE’ IS SAFETY RISK
I AM responding to the letter in last week’s edition entitled ‘Free buses cost money’. There are some points in the letter which I wish to respond to.
Let’s be absolutely clear what parents, students, governors and staff have campaigned on. It is our belief that the declaration of the Middlewood Way as an ‘available’ and ‘safe’ route for children to use to make their way to school is simply wrong.
We have stated that we believe that it is not easily accessible to emergency services, represents a risk to personal safety and is likely to result in young people taking short cuts across dangerous roads.
This is not just a matter for children at our school. There are other cuts to bus services across the county and we support their campaigns to continue to ensure the safe transportation of young people to school.
This also comes at a time when schools in Cheshire East are facing further reductions to their funding as a result of the unfair proposals for the revision of the National Funding Formula. This would leave Cheshire East schools amongst the very lowest funded schools in the country in terms of per pupil funding.
We have always argued that the law is on our side in terms of the view that the local authority should provide transport to school for youngsters where a safe walking route is not available.
My view is that the safety and welfare of youngsters should always be a top priority for local and national governments. Emmanuel Botwe Headteacher Tytherington School
NO THOUGHT FOR KICK-OFF
I WOULD like to congratulate Macclesfield Town on reaching the final. However I have one question for the FA. When will you consider the convenience of the fans in your planning?
There are two months between the semi final and final and the best they can come up with is a late kick-off in London on a Sunday afternoon!
I already know of fans who would happily go to a 3pm Saturday kick off but are having second thoughts about the timing of this final. Don’t the FA realise that many people will be going to work, school or whatever the next morning? David Booth Bond Street Macclesfield
WILL SHE OR WON’T SHE?
THERE has been speculation that Theresa May will call a May General Election.
I have heard that the last date for calling a snap May election is April 12, so by Easter we will know whether the rumours are right.
The logic is clear – the Conservatives have a lead in the polls and there are tough times ahead, with the Brexit talks likely to turn into an expensive and acrimonious divorce – so have an election now, hope for a Tory majority in parliament and hope that in five years’ time the country will be pulling out of the Tory Brexit mire.
On the other hand, an election is always risky and the polls may be wrong. Will she bottle it? Sam Corcoran Labour and Co-operative councillor for Cheshire East
INTEREST IN REG HARRIS CYCLES
I AM a member of a national organisation named The Veteran Cycle Club where members have an interest in bicycles of yesteryear and cycle history.
I am looking to make contact with former employees of the Reg Harris cycle factory in Macclesfield in the early 1960s. I would like to speak to them about their time working there.
Current owners of Reg Harris bicycles would also be welcome to contact me. P D Whatley 54 Spring Cross, New Ash Green, Longfield, Kent DA3 8QQ MEMORIES by Anne Green, of Grovewood Mews, Macclesfield: