We can all gain from each other
It's amusing to see Preston councillors standing aghast at senior citizens passing through the city using concessionary bus passes without being relieved of any cash. To add insult to injury, Preston is having to pay part of the cost.
This attitude is typical of Preston in medieval times, when they established the Guild to prevent outsiders from making any money in the town.
Not long ago in these columns, noted Preston architect Keith Scott castigated the residents of South Ribble and Chorley for enjoying the amenities of Preston without contributing to their cost.
This works both ways. The residents of Preston are very welcome to travel south and enjoy Worden Park, Astley Park and other splendid attractions free of charge.
Preston councillors should realise that what they lose on the swings they gain on the roundabouts.
From my own experience, the free bus pass is costing me a fortune. Last week we enjoyed a free ride to Preston, but struggled back on the bus laden with a vacuum cleaner and other items that we would not have otherwise purchased!

Ron Smith, Forrester Close, Leyland

No objection to kids using library
I would like to reply to the writer of the letter headlined: "Longton Library moving with times" since he or she addresses me directly.
I don't think a careful reading of my original letter took place before that reply was penned. At no point did I object to children using the library. At no point did I begrudge the use of staff time taken by children, nor did I accuse the staff of being unhelpful or unfriendly.
I did object to children running and shouting in the adult section. I did point out that the abilities of librarians to cope with uncontrolled behaviour has been hindered by dictat from above. Finally, I did object to the noise created by the Librarian playing his guitar and singing. I don't know where the writer got the idea that the guitar event was a one-off. I was told by a member of staff that it was repeated for several weeks in July.
As to the use of computers, well the writer may not have noticed but they are more or less silent and I am not aware of a shortage of space in the building.
Finally, a constructive suggestion: since some people object to the noise caused by children during the 'sing and learn' sessions, perhaps the librarians could close the folding shutter between the children's section and the main
library. It might reduce the noise.

Irritated ex-Longton Library User (name and address supplied)

Security: be sure before you accuse
I understand the importance of security in shops and markets. They do a good job, but I would like to draw your attention to an incident which happened one afternoon last month at Abingdon Street Market, Blackpool.
It was raining so I had a waterproof over my fleece, both zipped up. We looked around without touching anything and spotted something that I wished to buy.
Before I physically selected the item I opened my waterproof and put my hand into my fleece pocket where I had six pound coins. Just as I took my hand out, a voice said: "What have you just put into you pocket?"
I pulled out some pound coins. The man did apologise but I was so annoyed I left without my purchase. I fail to see what reason he had to challenge me.
I have worked in the retail sector for 35 years and am proud of my honest record. I currently work in Preston indoor market and am responsible for both money and stock. Security staff need to be sure before challenging people.

Mrs Lownsborough, St Davids's Road, Leyland

Aerodrome an ideal venue for show
To avoid further failures of the Royal Lancs Show, what is required is a readily accessible area with good solid ground.
Has anyone considered using Samlesbury aerodrome, whose runway and surrounding hard standing are no longer used for military aircraft? Access from the A59 and A677 must be possible with due respect to site security.

RWG Lewis, Moss Avenue, Ashton

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