Wincham was a tragic loss

Apr 21 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

THE scrapping of the Wincham (Daily Post, April 17) is a tragic tale of the loss of a historic cargo vessel.

Wincham was owned by the Wincham Preservation Society, who sent it to be dry-docked for repair, where extensive damage was discovered. There were a number of organisations which could help, including National Museums Liverpool (NML), but events moved fast and the Wincham was sold for scrap before it could be saved.

Contrary to reports, the scrapping of the Wincham is completely unrelated to any issues around the Friends of NML.

NML has been working closely with the Wincham Preservation Society, and, over the Easter weekend, the society’s volunteers took many delighted visitors on board NML’s ship Brocklebank, which is moored in the Albert Dock beside the Merseyside Maritime Museum. NML is also working with a number of other organisations on the development and interpretation on the historic graving docks. These working relationships are important to us, and, as the Wincham tale reminds us, they are critical to the future of the historic port and docks.

John Millard,Executive Director, Collections Management, National Museums Liverpool

Bridge too far away

I WELCOME the recent news, from the Halton MP, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will visit the new Mersey bridge, which, I hope will be built in Liverpool.

The Government in 1991 commissioned a study into possible Mersey bridge sites, between Warrington and Liverpool.

The report excluded Liverpool sites, on the grounds that a tolled bridge would be uneconomical, as the Mersey Tunnels would be paid for by 1995. We know this assumption was wrong, so, when the Public Inquiry starts next month, the inspector should correct this error, by including Liverpool sites.

I think the bridge should be built near the Three Graces, with the approach roads on either side of St Nicholas Church.

The bridge would be an iconic Gateway to Liverpool, as seen by incoming passenger ships. It would create jobs and prosperity for Liverpool and the North West and reduce congestion on Merseyside.

B Cunningham

Support appreciated

I WOULD like to thank the following organisations and individuals who participated in the film strand of the Pax Convention and made it a major success. The Black-E, Toxteth TV, Liverpool Film Office, Hurricane Films, BFI, Merseyside Acme, Adlib, NFN, FACT, Chris Bernard, Margi Clarke, Charlie Caselton, Yellowhouse Project, Furious Films, Souled Out Productions, Eek Productions, Ontega Productions, Barbara Kirby, Roger Appleton, Alfred Lewis and Michael Swerdlow, Charisma Productions, Sandi Hughes, Pidgin Productions, Stan Ambrose, Ste Webster, Gemma Burton and Hope University, James Pimblet at Citytalk, and all of the hard- working volunteers. From the positive response I received from the visitors to the screenings, you all did your city proud.

John Harrison,Director of Film Programming for the Pax International Arts Convention

Greener driving

I WAS interested to read recently that “green wave driving” is to be re-introduced by the Government in terms of Ministerial guidance to Local Authorities. “Green wave driving” is the synchronisation of traffic lights which encourages the flow of traffic in one direction.

How often have we suffered the experience of going through a set of traffic lights on green only to be met a short distance on by a second set of lights which turn red just before you reach them?

It appears “green wave, etc” was an acceptable policy until this Government some years ago decided more revenue would be earned from fuel tax, etc, if cars were forced to stop and start more often by repeatedly facing a red traffic light.

Now we have been encouraged by another Government incentive in terms of a £5,000 grant to buy electric cars, which will not be available till after 2011. I suspect few will be persuaded by the sight of Government Minister Peter Mandelson driving an electric car around a Scottish race circuit at speed? Is this just the same familiar “spin” that we are so accustomed to from this Government?

David Kirwan, Independent councillor, Wirral Borough Council

Listen to Liverpool

I AM delighted my local MP, Maria Eagle, is challenging the 30-year rule in respect of files relating to the Hillsborough Tragedy of 1989.

However, it is very clear that, even on the morning of Wednesday last, the Prime Minister said that “everything that needed to be uncovered had been”, and it was because of this, among many other reasons, that the Kop chanted for Justice for the 96.

The Government now has the chance and the challenge to prove it is listening to the people of Liverpool on this sensitive subject.

Cllr Peter Millea,Liverpool City Council.

Path to good cycling

REGARDING Suzanne Moseley’s letter (Open to all, Daily Post, April 13) who was cycling on the coastal path recently, I wonder if the lady has a bell on her bicycle.

It can be quite alarming for people walking on these paths to suddenly find a cyclist at their back without warning of their approach. I think it should be a law to have a bell on all bicycles.

As recently as last Saturday, I was in New Brighton enjoying the beautiful sunshine, but quite a few cyclists were not using the designated path and preferred to cycle where people were walking.

E May, West Derby

Unite behind Everton

WELL done, Blues, beating Manchester United on Sunday. Twenty years ago, Liverpool won the cup in honour of the 96 to the chants of "Merseyside" all around the ground and city.

Now let’s call on all the Reds to return that support and get behind them for the final in this the 20th anniversary year.

Pete, Prenton (a true Red)