Where is sense in demolishing flats?
I NOTED in the Rochdale Observer, December 10, that planning approval had been granted for 110 new homes off New Road in Dearnley despite 112 objections and all the fears that were pointed out such as increased flooding.
Once again our local councillors have ignored the people they are supposed to represent.
One of the reasons given for passing this was the ‘need for new housing’. In the same newspaper is an article regarding the possible demolition of the College Bank flats.
These flats were only built in the 1960s.
To the best of my knowledge there are four blocks of 19 floors and three blocks of 15 floors, each of the 19 floor blocks has 115 apartments and the 15 floor blocks has 91 apartments.
If there is such a great need for new housing where is the sense in considering the demolition of such a large number of relatively new properties? B Campion
HOPE GESTURE IS SUCCESS
READING in last Saturday’s Observer the brief article regarding finding local accommodation for four refugees could have lead me to think ‘What a nice gesture, poor little mites’, if it wasn’t for the fact that very shortly some liberal anti-British committee will be playing the ‘right to a family life’ card and granting permission for their cousins, uncles and aunties to come over to join them when they find suitable volunteer refugees.
I have always been under the impression rightly or wrongly that the rules of asylum were, (or at least used to be) anyone who had to escape a country because their lives were in danger was allowed to claim asylum in the two nearest safe countries to their own country of origin.
The chap whose life was in grave danger when he was being chased down the street by an escaped lion didn’t pass the first 10 open doors to choose the one at the far end of the street because it looked more comfortable than the rest, he went in the first one he came to.
He didn’t even stop when the chap on the street asked him why he was running so fast he just replied ‘escaped lion’.
The chap shouted back which way’s it running?
The chap replied ‘You don’t think I’m chasing it do you?’
But seriously, four children, if they’re not all in their mid 20s and don’t require installation of extra benches in the middle of Yorkshire Street to sit and beg, under the correct care and supervision wouldn’t be a problem to any caring qualified community.
It’s stopping the Fagins getting to the children with their Got to Pick a Pocket or Two song books that the social services can’t seem to grasp but we do get told frequently that they are apparently learning from their numerous child care mistakes so we can only hope this caring gesture will be a huge success. A Jones Marland
HE SHOULD BE PAID DOUBLE
I’M not sure whether in the current circumstances, the pay rise for councillors is completely justified. But let’s face it, it’s a thankless job!
All I can say is that my local councillor works extremely hard.
He is always out and about meeting residents, holds regular advice sessions and attends countless community meetings week in, week out.
Whatever he gets paid he should get double.
The only thanks he gets is people slagging him off!
Isn’t it funny, the people who shout the loudest that our councillors should do the job for nothing would never do the job themselves.
These people wouldn’t get out of bed unless they got paid. Public service? They wouldn’t recognise it if they fell over it. Julie Wild Gainborough Drive
THANKS TO WORKERS
I AM sure Observer readers would like to join me in saying a big public ‘thank you’ to all those people who will be working over the festive season.
From police officers to care workers and from hospital staff to gritter drivers; they - and many others - do a fantastic job on our behalf.
I would also like to thank all those Rochdale church and voluntary groups who do a sterling job looking after the elderly and homeless during the holiday period.
I would also ask readers that if they know of a neighbour who will be alone on Christmas Day, why not call round and check they are OK and spread a little festive cheer?
That is the true meaning of Christmas.
Finally, I would like to say a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Rochdale’s residents.
Let’s hope 2017 brings a little more cheer for Rochdale. Richard Farnell Leader of Rochdale council