Letters to the Editor - 17th March 2008

Mar 17 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

Why can’t we make it work?

LAST week, I enjoyed a week’s winter break in Tenerife. While there, I paid a visit to the island capital, Santa Cruz, now the location of one of Spain’s newest tramways, which opened in July 2007.

Less than three years ago (when Line One was still on the cards in Liverpool, and expected to open in September 2007) I had visited the same busy town and there were no roadworks, no disruption, in fact no inkling of what was to come.

Now, with the minimum of fuss, there is a brand new state-of-the-art tramway linking the busy port of Santa Cruz with the old university town of La Laguna, high in the hills, seven and a half miles away. There is a six-minute headway and the power to run the trams is provided by wind turbines dotted around the island.

All the grooved rails run along central reservations of manicured lawns, and at road junctions and the numerous beautifully landscaped roundabouts, all approaching vehicles are halted by traffic lights, giving the smooth and near-silent air-conditioned trams total priority and absolute punctuality.

In the older parts of Santa Cruz, the tracks wind their way through cobbled streets and the overhead wires are strung from the buildings... very hard to believe they have only been in place for so short a time. All the locals seemed very proud of their new tramway, and even at noon on a weekday, trams were full of passengers – and a few curious tourists.

A variety of ticket combinations were available from machines at every stop – the flat single fare being less than £1 (compared to £1.50 single on Merseyside). And it was very noticeable that everyone bought a ticket and cancelled it in the machine on the tram – but then the fine for not having a valid ticket is a whopping 400 euros.

If a little town in the Canary Islands can do all this, why can’t we get our act together here on Merseyside?

T Martin, Liverpool 12

Pier pressure

HOW heartening to read in the Daily Post that a replacement pier at New Brighton may become a reality.

The excitement of a day trip to the resort started on the ferry boat for us kids, now a distant but pleasant memory. After the obligatory exploration of decks, companionways and any other nooks and crannies we could get into, we would stare ahead as the magic place drew tantalisingly nearer, although for us exasperatingly slowly.

Well before the ferry berthed we would be jostling for position to be the first off. The barrier would slide back with a satisfying rumble, the gang plank would be lowered with an even more satisfying crash and off we would sprint onto the planked decking of the pier. Parental cries of “don’t run, be careful, you’ll get lost” falling on deaf ears.

It would be wonderful to have a new pier and be able once again to sail to New Brighton on the ferry.

Your paper mentions a competition for the design of a new pier. This is an excellent idea but the designers should be aware of the unique requirements of such a structure. A pier has to be practical and functional, but also may I suggest, whimsical, smile-invoking, welcoming and perhaps not quite of the every-day world.

The worry is that it might turn out to look like what I see looming ahead as I drive along the coast road into Southport; a dreadful uninspiring shed-like structure stuck on the end of the pier. Instead of raising spirits it lowers them.

Gordon Lever, Huyton

Proper punishment

WHAT is going wrong with this country that every time you open a newspaper there is a new tale of a gang of youths kicking someone to death?

There seems to be an incidence of it about every few months judging from reports in the media.

The blood lust these young criminals have seems to outweigh any compassion or conscience they might have ever had instilled in them, and also any fear of the law.

While it’s a parent’s duty to ensure their children don’t go out and attack other people, too often that seems to be failing, so it falls to the judicial system to make sure the law provides a punishment significant enough to register somewhere in these thugs’ minds that the momentary “pleasure” derived from their savagery isn’t worth 20 years languishing in prison. Otherwise, poor Garry Newlove’s death will have been completely in vain.

R Perry, via email

No effect on prices

I WANT to make it absolutely clear that ownership of The Beatles Story will have no impact whatsoever on prices of rail, buses or tunnel tolls (response to Daily Post letter, March 10, 2008) and it will not be used to subsidise public transport in any form.

It is a completely separate entity and will be run in exactly the same way as it is now – successfully.

It’s important to reaffirm that Merseytravel has no powers over bus fares; under deregulation that rests in the hands of the private bus companies.

Any price rises of the tunnel tolls, Mersey Ferries and Merseyrail network, over which we do have powers, are already set and are linked to inflation.

Cllr Mark DowdChair of Merseytravel

Get the message

IN RESPONSE to the letter in Wednesday’s Daily Post about throwing crockery overboard to save washing it, I started my seafaring career with Cunard on the Scythia, my pay was £2 a month and I worked seven days a week and ate my meals standing up.

When a Cunard liner was near Liverpool, after dinner and before docking the next morning, if the first class waiters were not happy with the first class saloon steward they would show their displeasure by tying the four corners of the tablecloth together and crockery and silver went through the porthole.

The Cunard bosses would take note of the loss of items and would get the message and nearly always moved the steward on.

H Traynor, Maghull

Lighter moments

MRS HARTE is right (Daily Post, letters March 12). The tunnel, opened in 1934, was overhauled in 1937. The existing white wall tiles were replaced with black ones to reduce glare. The public was given the opportunity to walk through at 6d per head (a tanner we called it then), with proceeds going to charity. My son, David, being only two, was carried by my brother’s friend, Tom Jones. Tom played in the Liverpool Corporation Brass Band which performed on the deck of the illuminated tramcar on special occasions – a wonderful sight to behold.

Half the neighbourhood dashed down to Kirkdale Road as soon as we heard it was coming. It could hold its own with Blackpool Illuminations any day. I hope my memory has served me correctly – it was a long time ago and I am rather ancient.

H Loynes, West Derby

PO opportunity

NEXT Wednesday, there is a debate in the House of Commons which will give our MPs the chance to register their opposition to the Government’s Post Office closure programme. The debate, arranged by the Conservatives, follows confirmation that 2,500 more post offices are to close by the end of the year.

Post Offices are at the heart of our community and this opportunity, to put the community first and party politics second, will send the Government a very clear message that the closure programme must be stopped.

Cllr Leah Fraser, prospective Conservative MP for Wallasey

Pedal power

P RICE moans about groups of cyclists and suggests cars have more right to be on the road because they pay taxes (Daily Post, March 13).

Firstly the Highway Code says cyclists may not ride more than two abreast, so side by side – taking no more space than a normal car – is perfectly acceptable.

Cars need to be taxed to pay for the damage they do to the roads and the environment. If we all used cycles, there would be fewer traffic jams and fresher air all round and healthier people. For the record, I own a car and a bike so have no particular axe to grind either way.

M Pillar, West Kirby

Proud Scouser

I MUST agree wholeheartedly with recent letters, outlining the Government’s lack of support for Liverpool as a city. We have never been fortunate when it comes to support from Parliament, whatever the colour of the politician.

I think it’s time we all stood up and were counted. We are very proud of our city and the achievements. I look around Walton and see new schools, sport centre, library and much improved park, all delivered without government support.

Walton was a mess 10 years ago, and with Capital of Culture we have a new chance. I’m a very proud Scouser.

Mr D Harris, L4

Matter of degrees

THERE has recently been wide comment on foreign workers on Merseyside, however there is one group of economic migrants who have managed to creep under the radar. They are costing the country millions of pounds in revenue and are being blamed for affecting the country’s nation pride.

I refer of course to the large number of foreign footballers and managers in this country.

What is the difference between a Polish plumber and a Spanish footballer other than the monies they earn?

Rob Wood, via email

Uncalled for

AS A faithful supporter of Mrs Margaret Thatcher, I write to object to Rob Merrick’s rather cynical comments about this noble lady who was recently in hospital (March 12). The comments were uncalled for.

E Owens, L12