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
Parking charge should be used to fund direct bus service to Gedling Country Park
Sir,
I was annoyed to read that proposals have been put forward to start charging for parking at Gedling Country Park.
Why are all councils in this country charging the public to help keep them afloat but offer very little in return.
In this story I read nothing that suggested the money would be used to improve the park. Where is it going? Many would like to see the extra revenue spent on keeping the cafe and toilets open for longer – but I disagree.
I do not mind additional charges as long as I am getting a bang for my buck.
The right thing to do would use this money to fund a direct bus service to the park from our towns and villages. Yes, there is one from the city centre but two buses must be a nightmare for those with young children or in wheelchairs.
A Sudbury,
Gedling
Our MPs are here to represent us – not themselves
Sir,
I saw a letter from D Jones who had concerns about the criticisms of local MPs are receiving over the winter fuel allowance (Readers’ Letters -03/10/24: We are being ‘unfair’ on our local MPs who are taking blame for pensioner winter fuel allowance cut)
Local MPs are in in Parliament to represent their constituents and should be there to stand up for their rights in Westminster and should be prepared to do this regardless of the outcome. If they are not prepared to represent us then don’t become an MP.
Labour do not represent people who work hard to help themselves.
The state pension is not a benefit, it is merely being returned to us after retirement after being squirrelled away by endless Governments.
Many people do not have the privilege of receiving their pension as many die before they are able to enjoy a retirement.
Joy Sparks,
via email
22,000 pensioners will be affected by fuel allowance cut – and MPs ‘totally responsible’
Sir,
I write in reply to D Jones (Readers’ Letters -03/10/24: We are being ‘unfair’ on our local MPs who are taking blame for pensioner winter fuel allowance cut) who states MPs Payne and Welsh were not to blame for the cutting of the winter fuel allowance.
The vote in parliament was a vote of conscience, knowing that prior to the election Labour promised they would not cut the winter fuel allowance. The two MP’S concerned could have abstained or voted against the removal of the winter fuel allowance.
Over 22,000 pensioners in Gedling are affected by those two MPs actions. They are totally responsible alongside their Labour colleagues.
Keith Seaton,
Chairman,
Reform UK Gedling
Prisons are overcrowded because criminals aren’t afraid of them
Sir,
On the day 1,700 prisoners are released because of overcrowding, we’ve been promised by the Labour government that around 1,000 will be released every week for some time to come. But we’re assured for now they are not dangerous ones.
This crisis is a result of a misguided approach in the UK Criminal Justice System that has lasted decades over both governments. The reason why our prisons are so full us because many people aren’t afraid of going there. There’s been this very odd obsession with ‘rehabilitation’ not punishment.
I have always questioned the emphasis on ‘rehabilitation’ over punishment for those that commit terrible crimes, while being fully aware of the evil they do. And this flawed approach has resulted in the current crisis.
If people were afraid of prison, and were sent there, there would be less crime and fewer prisoners.
Ron Lim,
Carlton
Stop using the word ‘cop’ – it’s US slang
Sir,
Recently we are seeing the use of the word ‘cops’ in your headlines and copy.
Why has Gedling Eye debased itself by using slang language, mostly imported from USA and not educating its reporters and copy editors?
Headlines and copy like this are not attractive and it would be good to see correct English used for once.
S Patchett,
Mapperley
Cycling on pavements ‘selfish and dangerous’
Sir,
I want to take up the issue of cyclists riding on the pavement. It is an everyday sight in Netherfield, people breaking the law, secure in the knowledge they are unlikely to see a police officer and, even if they do, she or he will do nothing about it.
Come to the town and you will see whole families, mum, dad and children arrogantly taking up the pavement even if the roads are clear. There is one man who regularly rides with his daughter up Victoria Road, teaching him by example that the law doesn’t apply to him.
A friend of mine suffered months of pain culminating in a knee replacement after being struck by a cyclist on the pavement. This practice is selfish, dangerous and illegal.
Name and address supplied
