More must be done to combat fly-tippers
I REFER to your article on Manchester council’s hikes in fines to combat fly-tippers (M.E.N, June 18).
In the past 18 months I have completed litter picks in my area and in doing so, I have reported flytipping matters on numerous occasions by email to Manchester council and Northwards Housing Association.
I am dismayed by the failures and responses from Manchester council based on the following:
Posters are distributed stating, ‘we are watching you... we have a zero tolerance against fly-tipping.’ This begs the question, how are you watching or policing fly-tipping? Because it’s clear to me that despite many requests for cameras or additional waste bins for my area, the cash-strapped council has declined to implement the latter.
Additionally, while conferring with Northwards representatives, it appears there are only two operatives presently to complete the monitoring of fly-tipping and litter over the north of Manchester.
Equally, the operatives, when a report for fly-tipping is implemented, are then required to email Manchester council to have the refuse removed.
I might also add the operatives are putting their lives at risk monitoring environments and having to prioritise the worst areas under the COVID-19 virus. I applaud their efforts and their support to my particular area.
I am fully aware the council tips are closed due to the coronavirus, however, I am pleased Manchester council is delighted with a cleaner city centre, but it does not bode well for taxpayers who live in a filthy environment outside of the city, nor is it acceptable for the council to say they are going to hike the fly-tipping fines when in actual fact the council does not implement the tools or mechanisims to catch fly-tippers. I would welcome a report on the council’s fines levied in my area.
In my locality vermin have been reported. Manchester council has addressed this issue which is commendable, but the letters sent out by Northwards Housing representing Manchester council, warning tenants about littering have little or no effect.
Manchester council needs to implement a stronger approach to the people who fail to adhere to highlighted environment issues.
Hence the need for cameras, more litter bins and more monitoring, together with more jobs created to tackle this problem.
As a tenant and a taxpayer, I want to live and be a part of all areas of a Manchester that is clean and safe, not just the city centre.
Jennifer Whelan, M9
We did have free meals
IN the response to those saying there have never been free meals during school holidays.
Just to let you know plenty of children had free meals during holidays in the 60s. One ticket had free meal and the paying one had dinner ticket written on it.
Well done, Rashy!
Bert, Gorton
Poverty is next battle
I AGREE with M. Allott who calls us to stand up for Fairtrade if we believe all Black Lives Matter
(M.E.N, June 18). But we need to go beyond buying different T-shirts and challenging some shops over their corporate social responsibility, though we do indeed need to do that.
As our country comes out of the initial reaction to the pandemic we need to tackle the long-term poverty that has been further exacerbated by the crisis. This traps people both here and across the world.
As businesses fail, contract and restructure, hundreds of thousands of family bread-winners face longterm unemployment, bringing not only disappointed ambitions but years of insecurity, distress and illhealth, all too often blighting children’s lives.
Step Change, the debt advice charity, reports since the advent of the virus 1.2 million people have fallen behind on utility bill payments, 820,000 people on council tax, and 590,000 on rent; 4.2 million people have borrowed to make ends meet, mostly by using a credit card, overdraft or a high-cost product such as a payday loan.
Likewise many countries where people do not have Governments able to provide safety nets, face even worse as their long-term recovery is stitched up by selfish financiers cashing in on their unexpected loss of income and inability to meet repayment timetables for irresponsible lending.
It doesn’t have to be thus. Powerful governments can act boldly (as our’s indeed has begun to) but need to face down those profiteering from public bodies offering relief. If you reject these situations, want to find out more, or to raise your voice to bring about change liberating people from debtbondage, visit jubileedebt.org.uk. ‘Jubilee Debt Campaign supporter’
Dame Vera, we salute you
DAME Vera Lynn first became a sensation when she sang about bluebirds and nightingales – but the long-time PETA supporter will also be remembered for all she did to help birds and other animals during her remarkable life.
After viewing PETA’s pigeonracing exposé, she decried that ‘utterly cruel pastime,’ upset that the birds, whose forebears served the United Kingdom by carrying vital messages during both world wars, are forced to fly vast distances on gruelling journeys in which many perish.
She called out people who stock their cupboards with foie gras, produced by force-feeding ducks and geese until their livers become painfully swollen. We honour her memory by championing all animals – just as she did.
Ingrid E Newkirk, founder, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation