Readers' letters

I didn't like fans' attitude
PNE midfielder Paul Gallagher in action against Newcastle DeAndre Yedlin. See letter                  Picture:  CameraSport - Terry DonnellyPNE midfielder Paul Gallagher in action against Newcastle DeAndre Yedlin. See letter                  Picture:  CameraSport - Terry Donnelly
PNE midfielder Paul Gallagher in action against Newcastle DeAndre Yedlin. See letter Picture: CameraSport - Terry Donnelly

I am a life-long PNE supporter, although these days I only occasionally visit Deepdale.

May I be allowed to give my opinion on a small element of present-day PNE Supporters?

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Let me set the scene. Preston North End versus Liverpool, FA Cup 3rd Round, January 2009.

I was invited to the match by season ticket holders of The Guild Club.

One of the members, as a Christmas treat, brought along his wife, who was a lifelong fan of Steven Gerard and was privileged to see him in person at Deepdale.

What happened next?

Liverpool scored, a stunning goal, by flying winger Albert Riera –1-0 Liverpool.

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I applauded this quality strike, just like many PNE fans surrounding me in the Pavilion seats did likewise.

But unfortunately for the Liverpool lady, who stood up to applaud the stunning strike, she was subjected to vicious vitriol from many so-called PNE fans who screamed to attract the steward’s attention to have this lady removed to the Liverpool supporters’ area in (Shankly) Kop Fulwood End.

This tasteless response would have the late great Bill Shankly turning in his grave.

Let me move on seven years to 2016, a couple of Saturdays ago in fact, for the visit of high-flying Newcastle United.

What happened next?

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You guessed... an action replay, in The Pavilion/Invincibles seating area.

Yes, unbelievably, an elderly Newcastle Fan was quite exuberant when his team scored and, true to form, at least a dozen ‘so-called’ home supporting football fans called for the gentleman to be removed by the stewards!

Come on PNE Fans, get real.... I thought you were loud and proud? These two incidents show a rather sinister and depressing side to a percentage of PNE Season Ticket holders.

You know who you are!

So come on genuine PNE fans, if the opposition score, then take it on the chin. Don’t spoil everyone’s enjoyment by such a naive and bigoted viewpoint, just because your beloved Preston North End have let a goal in! I would be interested if I am alone on this particular viewpoint?

Wilf Riley via email

Adapt buildings – don’t build new

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It would appear that Chorley town centre is to become a vast and expensive building site over the next two years.

Could I appeal to Chorley Council and others involved for some common sense? Leave things more or less alone, no demolition or construction?

n Improve and adapt existing buildings

n Convert the Odeon/Gala Bingo back into a cinema

n Re-open the Royal Oak as a hotel/pub and offices

n Leave the Flat Iron as it is – we don’t want or need new stores.

n Don’t demolish Hollinshead Street Church.

It’s a lovely building and has been part of Chorley’s history for 250 years.

Paul Tate, Chorley

Nobody voted for poverty

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“We won,you lost” seems to be the playground-like chant directed at anyone who disagrees with any aspect of the talks regarding Brexit. I speak for the many people who voted leave or remain who have concerns about the direction the country has taken over the last few months.

On the ballot paper there were two choices: remain and leave.

Nowhere did I see an option to vote for being financially worse off, but since the vote, the Government has interpreted the result for its own interests.

The Parliamentarians will be fine, they will be insulated from any future crisis. As usual, it will be the poorer members of society who will bear the brunt of bad decisions.

Mark Armistead, address supplied

Poppies are no threat to society

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I think that there must be something wrong with Mr Freeman’s spleen!

Whenever I read his column, he seems to be in a rage about something or other and seems frequently to arrive at an improbable conclusion.

His column regarding the “Poppy spat” (LEP November 7) started well enough by recalling that for most people it was, and remains, an uncomplicated mark of respect that can be worn by all, regardless of any political differences.

One is also glad to know that the purchase of a poppy does some good as well.

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To take that very simple, very British, very personal choice and turn it into a threat of allowing “every tinpot government to get this or that symbol marking some atrocity or other on their national team shirts” is to denigrate what the poppy means to the vast majority – a majority which has made its views on a ban by a corrupt organisation abundantly clear.

I sometimes think that Mr Freeman fails to understand the concept of actually being a free man.

David Neal

via email

School solution is a good idea

Re: the letter, This situation is all win win, (LEP October 28).

I wholeheartedly agree with the suggestion from R Spreadbury for a 200m red-line area around schools.

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A little exercise for the youngsters would be a very good start for them in maintaining a future healthy lifestyle.

If the parents get involved as well, even better.

Anything which eases the problems faced by those living in the vicinity of schools would be a tremendous help.

Our road, which is very narrow and has no pavements, is plagued by vehicles parking in an obstructive manner.

Properties here have a covenant in the deeds, which, due to this narrow design, prevents residents from parking.

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Parents picking up their loved ones seem to be oblivious of the inconvenience they cause.

I do hope that, R Spreadbury, you have also made the local and county councils aware of your suggestion.

Graham Archer

Chorley