Readers' letters - August 10

No doubt I shall be castigated as a killjoy, so I will say here and now that I like some sport but I do feel extremely strongly about the amount of sports coverage the BBC is broadcasting this summer, in fact, every summer, in fact, most of the time.

I know it is the Olympics but is it really necessary for BBC to have blanket coverage across all their channels?

Even the breakfast news programmes have been hijacked which, with all that is going on in the world at this time, is quite a dereliction of duty as regards what a news channel is for.

When the news comes on, it simply repeats what we have just been watching. Sport!

The BBC is like a dog with a bone. Once it gets hold, it never lets go.

Horse racing, darts, Wimbledon, athletics, cricket, rugby, football, motor racing, golf and now Olympics, followed by the Paralympics and more sport besides.

Need I go on?

Why not just call the channels BBC sports one and two?

We all pay our licence fee but for what?

To my mind, the ones who get most enjoyment from all this sport are all the reporters who are having a very nice time at licence payers’ expense.

The red button is there for those who wish to see a particular discipline.

How many in truth are staying up all night to watch all this broadcasting? Most of us live in the real world where we have to get up for work next day.

Surely one channel could be kept for those who would like to watch things other than sport.

The only thing at the moment in the corporation’s favour is that it is not broken up by constant adverts, and yes, I am aware there are those who are unable to get to places or events, so there is some need to broadcast events – but not the way it is now nor on both channels at the same time.

Christine Cross via email

Ban pre-noon airport alcohol

Re: Jet2’s plans to curb airport drinking. My experiences show that the problem is some people turn up to the airport after drinking at home or the pub the night before going to the airport. They then drink in the airport bars, get onto the aircraft under the influence of drink and want to carry on drinking on the plane. When Jet2 staff try to stop this, drinkers become abusive.

Bars in the airport should not sell alcohol before lunch time, Jet2 staff would have more chance of controlling what alcohol they sell throughout the flight. Jet2 or the police should have the ability to breathalyse suspected drunks before they are allowed on the plane.

We usually have a drink on the plane to relax, nothing wrong with this in moderation.

Jim Stockwell, address supplied

Congestion at city hospital

My husband has been in Royal Preston Hospital for just over a week. The other day it took 25 minutes for the bus to get from the Black Bull to Booths, as the congestion was so bad.

I know it is on a bad junction,but why doesn’t the council take away the grass verge, that has bollards on it, to help the traffic keep moving?

It is just opposite the road turning into the hospital.

This at least would help traffic to pass the hospital turn off.

This is also why the Orbit bus – which we would like back – was late,because of the tailbacks.

It would be a solution for now as it is only going to get worst at Christmas.

The only other solution is to make the entrance opposite St Clare’s Church, and make the other entrance the way out.

This would give the ambulances a clear way in, and congestion would be taken away from the chaotic Black Bull traffic lights, and hopefully keep traffic from being at a standstill.

Name and address supplied

Hate has no place here

The recent spike of hate crimes, racism and xenophobia in recent weeks has left a stain on our country. 

We in the Leyland & Chorley Amnesty Group stand against such hateful and disgusting acts.

Both Leyland and Chorley have always been welcoming places, and we want to ensure they continue to be so. 

Amnesty International UK is currently urging community leaders all over the country to publicly condemn these acts of hate and we applaud South Ribble Borough Council for unanimously supporting the following ‘motion’ at its meeting on July 20.

“We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society.

“Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.

“Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally.

“We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

“We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support and resources they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

“We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.”

This sends out a strong message from our local councillors to potential perpetrators in the area that there is no place for hatred here.

If you would like more information about Amnesty’s work, go to www.amnesty.org.uk.

If you are interested in getting involved locally, the local group meets on the first Tuesday of each month in Leyland.

Contact Steve at [email protected] for more details.

Steve Harman,

Leyland & Chorley,

Amnesty Group Secretary

Display origin of local meat

A butcher with a chain of shops across the Midlands recently opened a new shop.

I like to support UK farmers but the pre-packed meat did not show the country of origin and the red tractor logo.

I will stick with my local independent butcher, who supports UK farmers and displays the provenance of the food clearly.

Bernard Powell,

Southport