Parking

SINCE the hospital trust introduced parking charges, Uphill Village has become the victim of some very inconsiderate and on occasion downright irresponsible parking.

I did not however envisage in my wildest dreams the utter chaos this would eventually cause.

Initially, the problems were created by day-patients and visitors not wanting to pay the car park fees.

More recently the decision to impose parking charges for staff has had a detrimental effect on our village resulting in the withdrawal of all bus services on most of Uphill Road South.

I understand the reasoning behind this is buses were constantly getting stuck sometimes for up to an hour. There are many elderly resident in Uphill some wheelchair users and some not able to walk very far. I have personally asked for the number 83 bus to be reinstated as it was used regularly and relied upon by villagers old and young.

As an Uphill village resident myself and also a committee member of Uphill Village Society I can vouch that we have all tenaciously battled this ongoing issue with councillors, highways, police and a number of board meetings at the hospital. Believe me, no-one has tried harder to resolve the problem than the Village Society and I.

Some meeting have been productive others have fallen totally on deaf ears.

Double yellow lines seem sadly to be the only answer. Although not all residents will approve, and our local community beat officer also had reservations mainly because of the impact lines might have on the wider village. Unfortunately this has already happened. Parking 24/7 is now the norm. Grange Road, Grange Close, Uphill Way, Sandcroft Avenue, Laurel Drive, and Little Orchard – this small side road being a favourite for parking on pavements.

Whilst sympathising with the hospital staff I do appreciate that the parking charges that have been imposed must just feel like another tax on their already diminishing income. Public transport may not necessarily be an option for many due to their shift patterns.

We understand Cllr Elfan Ap Rees has been told of our plight – bearing in mind the Tropicana saga I don’t plan on holding my breath for a swift resolution.

For goodness sake, we have been patient, all of you sit down preferably together and get something done.

CAROLE FISHER

Uphill Road South, Weston

Happier days

DAVID Perriman’s photos of Weston’s world famous open air pool in happier days in the 1960s illustrates what has been lost.

It has been obvious for some considerable time that North Somerset Council is closing down much of Weston, from the Boulevard to the Tropicana.

Closures are shrinking the town’s footfall to the detriment of Weston’s economy. Closure of the library will adversely affect traders in the area of Orchard Meadows and the Boulevard.

The transfer of employment from Weston to Clevedon, not only council jobs instigated by North Somerset Council, is another example of policies which are damaging to Weston.

Richard Birtill makes some good points, but it is not a matter of council versus private provision. The pool was built by Weston Borough Council, and local businesses benefited as a result.

The difference today is that while Weston Borough Council was made up of Westonians, we are a minority on North Somerset Council.

Weston Town Council is the successor to the borough council, but while the borough council had power back then, power now resides with North Somerset Council and not with the town council which is elected by Weston people.

Winterstoke Hundred, i.e., Weston and its hinterland, should be revived as a council district separate from North Somerset.

ROBERT CRAIG

‘Preserve Weston’s Legacy Lido’

Priory Road, Weston

Imagine

IMAGINE this, a mile long series of near blind bends with double solid white lines (meaning do not cross the centre of the road), on a fast (50mph), country main road.

Now imagine placing bus stops right in the centre of that piece of road, but opposite each other.

Now imagine a motorbike or even a car coming upon a bus stopped, maybe even on a clear day or even a dark nasty night, and the injury that is likely to result. A corporation would be prosecuted. A recovery vehicle would likely ask for police assistance. But North Somerset Council has ignored the risks for what good reason I wonder?

I think I will ask ROSPA to comment, but in the meantime, my condolences go to the injured or killed, on this part of the A370 main road to Bristol.

MIKE JEFFREY

Locking Road, Weston

Fantastic fireworks

Well done to the Grand Pier for a fantastic firework display on Sunday night.

I don’t think you could fault it this time. You are forgiven for the short display on November 5.

Looking forward to next year’s display.

BOB VARCOE

Brendon Avenue, Weston

Empathise

AS A fellow lover of the theatre I empathise with Mel Ashworth’s delight at attending a wonderful performance of a friend’s play at an intimate 50-seater theatre in Clifton.

However the plea that the owners of the empty Ashcombe public house turn it into a similar venue seems somewhat misplaced when there is already an intimate 59-seater theatre just a couple of hundred yards from the Ashcombe.

I refer of, course, to The Theatre in the Hut off Milton Avenue where a variety of shows are performed throughout the year and indeed a play called ‘A Tomb with a View’ was presented to full houses just last week by The Wayfarers Drama Group.

If Mel’s friend would like to put on a play in Weston there is an intimate venue, with licensed bar, ready and waiting!

IAN GIBSON

President

The Wayfarers Drama Group

In the way

IT WAS interesting to read in the Mercury that North Somerset Council deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees doesn’t want tables and chairs in Regent Street and Pier Square, because they get in the way of people walking, but the same councillor wants buses and cars to go through the middle of Pier Square.

I would rather fall over a chair than a bus.

He’s the same councillor who has turned off lights at night. I know lots of people who are scared to walk home at night in Weston.

Plus the article by John Penrose MP says three things he has done for Weston. May I suggest the three: �50 off winter fuel allowance for pensioners, half price bus fares has stopped for pensioners and disabled on national buses and more than one million youth on dole.

S BARRINGTON

Beach Road, Weston

Identity

HOW many readers I wonder are labouring under the misunderstanding that your passport is the one definitive document proving your identity, as I was?

Not according to Royal Mail.

Having had a card put through my door indicating that there was a package for me with insufficient postage paid on it, I turned up with my �1.17 and my passport at the sorting office.

“We can let you have this just this once but next time we won’t be able to give you the package.” Astounded, I enquired why. The problem turned out to be this – Since I was eight weeks old, some 57 years ago, I have been called by my second name, initially by my parents and subsequently by everyone who knows me, so my letter was naturally addressed to Nigel Cook.

The problem is my passport says my name is Kevin Nigel Cook, and although my photograph appears on my passport, apparently this is not satisfactory proof that I am truly the Nigel Cook who lives in my house and looks like me.

To quote Victor Meldrew: “I don’t believe it!”

NIGEL COOK

Sandcroft Avenue, Uphill

Dodge the muck

HAVING been a resident of Weston for a few years now, I have grown to love many aspects of his own.

However one thing has been an increasing source of exasperation to me, that is the large amounts of animal and human by-products that a minority of selfish people deposit on our pavements without the slightest concern for others.

I walk everywhere so I have devised a dance that help me dodge the muck as best I can, add to this a lot of side movements across the pavements, I find I only manage to get something on my shoes every now and again.

MS S JONES

Upper Church Road, Weston

Shock

ON BEHALF of my family, I again express sincere and grateful thanks to everyone associated with both the Weston and Bristol oncology units regarding my wife, Jenny.

Her leukaemia diagnosis at the end of August was a tremendous shock but due to the superb care afforded to her and her positive attitude she was given the all-clear last week.

To say thank you to doctors, nurses and other equally important members of staff at both hospitals is totally inadequate. This is the best Christmas present I and all other family members could ever have.

TIM PENWELL

Mead Vale, Worle

Drawn to water

DOES it never occur to our councillors that if we had a suitable pool on the seafront maybe less people would be tempted to try to dip their toes in the sea.

Anyone who knows young people knows that they are drawn to water without realising the danger of the sea.

Where danger is concerned it can’t happen to them (they think) but where there is a pool it is great fun to splash around with friends.

MRS MAUREEN WHITTAKER

Drysdale Close, Weston

It is no wonder

I AM writing regarding the recent experience of my 13-year-old grandson who, of his own back, applied for and, as he thought, got a weekend paper round at the local newsagents.

As he has a disabled mother he wished to earn his own money so he could buy presents for his family and any of the normal things a teenage boy has.

He told the person who organised the paper rounds that due to the fact he goes to stay with his father once every four weeks that one weekend in four he would be unable to do his paper round. He was told that this was fine.

When he came back from his holiday with one of his friends he did his round and said: “I won’t be able to do next weekend as I will be at my dad’s in Bristol” he was told ‘that’s fine’.

He turned up the following weekend to be told he had been sacked and replaced.

The person who organised the paper rounds did not even attempt to pay him the money she owed him for the work he had already done and he returned home in tears.

I then went down to the shop and confronted the lady concerned who got very flustered, and said she was too busy to discuss this.

I had to demand the money she owed him. She handed me �5 and said they needed reliable people.

As my grandson had explained everything to her before they gave him the paper round I feel he has been treated very badly.

He now feels that the people who go round stealing what they want and scrounging on the social security have the right idea as being honest and willing to work for what you want doesn’t pay.

It is no wonder the youths of today feel like this when if they try to do the right thing and better their own circumstances through working they are kicked in the teeth and lied to by the older generation.

As they knew he had weekend commitments why didn’t they treat him fairly and sensibly and offer him a weekday round?

MRS BURTON

Milton Brow, Weston

Excellent facility

JUST in case your readers haven’t yet discovered this excellent facility, I’d like to draw your reader’s attention to the Jill Dando caf� which now operates at The Blakehay Theatre.

The cafe is run by the Brandon Trust charity supporting adults with learning difficulties. The cafe team offers a delicious menu with home made cakes and freshly-prepared light lunches in a relaxing and friendly environment, perfect for friends, shoppers and work colleagues alike.

Do pay them a visit, and help support this worthwhile venture.

SALLY PACKER

Beechmount Drive, Weston

Impossible

A RECENT story stated a council recommended price increase will enable the blue badge to be made more difficult to forge.

This is pointless if there is no-one around with the authority to check them.

As a badge holder with limited walking ability and a regular library user, I did a test last Wednesday morning about the quietest day of the week.

First driving to the Boulevard library (usual time to change a book 10 minutes) and parking straightaway, then trying to park within walking distance of the town hall. Owing to the double yellow stripes on all the kerbs it is impossible. And after touring the area for half an hour plus, the nearest I could get was on Beach Road.

I fail to see how Councillor Elfan Ap Rees can claim the new library will be more customer friendly.

ALAN CHILCOTT

Brendon Avenue, Weston

EDITOR’S NOTE: To clarify, the blue badge price increase, as reported, is out for consultation by Somerset County Council, not North Somerset.

Thank you

I WOULD like to say a big thank you to all the collectors in the Hutton, Locking and Oldmixon area who responded so magnificently to the recent Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Also to the residents of the three villages whose generosity has been overwhelming.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the managers, staff and customers of Aldi and B&Q for their courtesy and support during the last two weeks, together with all our local businesses who sold poppies on our behalf.

NORMAN POOLE

Poppy Organiser

Old Winterstoke Road, Hutton

Record

WORLE’S Poppy Appeal raised �12,300; this is a record.

The local poppy organiser, Tanya Keen, would like to thank all those who contributed through house to house, in the street, or collections in the shops or businesses.

She also thanks the team of volunteers for the hours they gave up collecting, particularly at Sainsbury’s and the Co-op.

All the collectors are to be congratulated for achieving such a fantastic total.

A few new collectors have joined us and discovered that it is worthwhile; an hour or two is all that is needed. Please ring 08457 725725 quoting Worle (TDF18).

MISS TANYA KEEN

Worle Poppy Appeal Organiser

Evenly divided

I WOULD like to thank everyone who donated to our street collection which took place on the High Street and Grove Park on Remembrance Sunday.

Also many thanks to various clubs that allowed us to collect on their premises throughout the day.

The amount collected was �1,135 which will be evenly divided between Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion.

Special thanks to James, Russ and Tony who helped me with the collection. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year.

PAUL VINCENT

Milton Park Road, Weston

SUPER Weston carnival. Well done to all involved in the resort’s spectacular November carnival. It is a real pleasure to watch and another of many jewels in Weston’s crown.

STEVEN HARRISON

Manilla Crescent, Weston

LAST night I attended the opening night of Our House at The Playhouse theatre.

All the members of Worle Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) had masses of enthusiasm in this very entertaining show.

It is refreshing to see an ‘am dram’ group tackle a different production rather than performing one of the well-known pieces.

The show went on at a very lively pace and there were some excellent performances from Jake Fisher as Joe (how many costume changes did he go through?), Bethany Lunam as Reecey and some nice comical pieces from Kate Emmery as Angie and Nat Kessel as Billie to name a few but the whole cast could not be faulted throughout the production.

It was disappointing not to see more theatregoers on the evening I attended but this is the case because most people don’t try anything they don’t know or have not heard of. Well done to WODS for a great show and for reminding us of the great songs of the 80s’ band Madness.

DAVID KINGSBURY

Mendip Avenue, Worle