Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.
Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line. You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.
Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE
Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters published do not reflect the views of Gedling Eye
Pensioners need to ‘do their bit’
Sir,
Yes, I am sure many pensioners are disappointed to hear that winter fuel allowance has been scrapped – but let’s be honest, how many of them ever spent it on actual heating?
I’ve had a drink in local pubs and seen old men ordering a round and laughing ‘this is on the government’ after receiving payment.
There is a 22bn financial black hole and I’m afraid everyone is going to have to do their bit – FACT!
There are warm centres on offer around here where you can get free warmth so it is not like people will spend a day in the cold.
I had to do my bit during the pandemic. I lost all my savings as I wasn’t entitled to any support as I could not trade. I was upset at the time but I took a hit for my country – and I’m proud about that.
I feel it’s the pub industry who will suffer most from this as they will be losing this mis-spent money from pensioners.
Ron Lim,
Carlton
“Phoney self-employment” contracts mimic zero hours
Sir,
Parliament’s announcement on July 17 to ban zero-hour contracts is a welcome step forward. However, a far more exploitative practice lurks in the shadows of what I call “phoney self-employment.”
As a security guard who has worked throughout the Nottinghamshire, I had first-hand experience with this scheme, and it’s undeniably worse than zero-hour contracts. These “phoney self-employment” contracts mimic zero hours, offering no guaranteed income or benefits like sick or holiday pay. But the exploitation deepens.
I have experienced companies not paying me the minimum wage, pressuring me to use their in-house accountants at inflated rates, and even selling me overpriced uniforms, all deducted from already meagre earnings.
Outlawing these exploitative contracts with hefty fines is crucial. It wouldn’t just benefit workers, employers wouldn’t need such tactics and could attract a more reliable and dedicated workforce.
Name and address withheld by request
Details wanted on Mapperley tennis mum
Sir,
My mother used to live in Mapperley and during the 1950s was very active in a local tennis club.
I have written to the nearest tennis club with a photo of the cup she won along with some photos. They suggested it might be Gedling Colliery Tennis Club. I dropped an email to the Gedling Colliery Cricket Club to see if they could provide any details but they haven’t yet replied.
It would be great to find out a bit more. I have a photo, see below, but nobody to ask now.
Can anyone help?
Caroline Male ,
Norfolk
Too many gambling outlets in town
Sir,
Do we really need another gambling outlet in Arnold? We have to many already. (Former fishmonger in Arnold to become 24-hour adult gaming centre – Gedling Eye 24/07/24)
There are too many bars and so much crime going on in the town.
Arnold used to be a good place to live but not any more.
Patricia Knott,
Arnold
Buses needed to garden centre
Sir,
Wy can’t we have bus stops near Brookfields and the crematorium?
It’s a long way for older people to get too. They love a walk round a garden centre – and not everyone can drive. Some people might also might have an illness which stops them walking far.
Pam Eyre,
via email
Something needs top be done about ‘boy racers’
I have just been reading about plans to deter boy racers in the Colwick area.
Something needs to be done about those on the Colwick Loop Road and along the new GAR.
They are speeding up and down there every night. it sounds like we are living next door to a race track
Christine Thraves,
via email
