BIG PICTURE
FOLLOWING recent tragic accidents on our roads, our first thoughts must be with the families and friends trying to come to terms with the loss of loved ones.
There will always be road traffic accidents, the majority of which are relatively minor and can be resolved through insurance claims. Cars can be repaired or replaced.
But we must accept that, at the moment, our roads are not as safe as they should be for cyclists and motorcyclists.
Safe, extensive cycle routes are a reality in many towns and cities. Why not Macclesfield?
Cheshire East Council and Macclesfield Town Council must quickly work to develop new safe cycle routes and improve existing ones.
Cuts to public transport services have also resulted in more cars on our roads, causing the congestion we see at times, as well as the poor air quality win parts of our town and has a detrimental effect on the health of our children.
More cars also increases the likelihood of accidents.
A more integrated, affordable and reliable public transport network, along with safer cycling routes, would improve health, reduce congestion and improve air quality.
It should also mean we are not having to hear about lives being tragically cut short so often.
Macclesfield is a great place to live, work and enjoy our leisure. Let’s make it a safe one as well. Brian Puddicombe, Sherwood Road, Macclesfield
WAKING TO BREXIT CHAOS
IMAGINE - I’ve been in a coma for the last two and a half years - I’ve just woken up and am now wondering - what’s going on with Brexit?
I might well conclude that the nation including its parliament has taken leave of its collective senses.
Crashing out of the EU into chaos with lack of regulation and illegality being entertained as an option and with no trade deals in place and still arguing a divorce deal with days to go - this is crazy.
I keep hearing these words: “I voted remain but I’m a democrat so I must respect the referendum result”
Surely the prime responsibility of government is to ensure security and prosperity for the nation and its people?
So why is such chaos not being ruled out and given all EU exiting options leave us worse off?
Implementing a divorce deal before securing a future free trade deal puts us in such a bad negotiating position.
What is the democratic imperative that drives this and what explains the disconnect between this poor outcome, compared to the best interests of our prosperity and security?
‘The people have spoken - it’s our democratic duty’. Really?
The 2016 referendum did not define this choice of outcome. It presented contradictory outcomes with impossible solutions in breach of treaties.
The 2016 referendum was the most marginal national referendum/ election result ever since World War II (less than 2 per cent, 635,000 votes swung it) and secured by the illegal activities of the leave campaign.
Why is it still standing? John Handford, Rydal Place, Macclesfield
IN last week’s Macclesfield Express we told of how police are warning people in Macclesfield about aggressive begging in the town. This was something that many people wanted to have a say on. Mark Rawlins: The escalation of begging and rough sleeping in Macclesfield has coincided with the roll out of universal credit in the area. This can be no coincidence, with people having to wait weeks and weeks for their money, combined with the cruel and punitive sanctions often imposed.