Readers' letters

Last weekend, the papers were full of claims about a so-called ‘fracking bonanza’ for residents in shale gas areas after it emerged the new Prime Minister had insisted a consultation on the Shale Wealth Fund should include the option for locals to obtain direct financial benefits.

The move has been described variously as a ‘bribe’ and ‘compensation’ by opponents, but it is neither. It is simply a way of ensuring more local people are able to share in the economic benefits that shale gas could one day open in areas where it goes ahead.

Some of these people, particularly the less well-off, may actually want to benefit directly rather than see all the money go to local councils and community groups.

By altering the consultation, the Prime Minister has simply given them a voice and the ability to participate in the democratic decision- making process, something she said she would do on her first day in the job.

For this reason, we at Lancashire For Shale welcome the news. Our prime focus is on ensuring local businesses benefit from opportunities in the supply chain, enabling them to attract more investment and create new jobs, especially for our young people. We are talking here about Lancashire’s gas and it is only right that people living in the communities where it is extracted also see some gain from it.

Bernard Whittle OBE, 
Lancashire For Shale

Generosity 
of Preston

On July 16, the Preston & District Branch of the MS Society held a street collection in Preston city centre.

May the branch thank the people of Preston for their generosity and also the team of volunteer collectors.

We raised the sum of £243.10.

The Preston & District Branch provides a number of services for its members, such as light exercise (Pilates), home physiotherapy, home counselling, social meetings at four locations around Preston, information and support.

It costs around £1,000 a month to provide these services and support for the members.

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating neurological condition which affects those who have the condition in a different way. Some of the most common effects are balance, fatigue, loss of cognitive skills and lack of muscle control. If you wish to support the branch, or the society, please contact Derrick Hurrell (branch secretary) on 0300 323 9979, or by email – [email protected].

Otherwise you can contact the MS Society Helpline on 0800 800 8000.

Once again, a big ‘thank you’ to all those who gave so generously and to all our helpers who gave up their time to support the branch.

Sue Hurrell, fundraising officer, Preston and District Branch

Clean shave at Rio Olympics

Although I’ve been known to sport a beard from time to time, it’s a treat to see clean-shaven young men taking part in water sports at the Rio Olympics.

Perhaps they will reverse the present trend and we will once again see what I call ‘more presentable men’ going about their daily business.

Ernest Lundy via email