Driven roundabout the bend
I can't believe this council. Until they put the roundabout at the bottom of Tulketh Brow, Ashton, there never was a problem with traffic backing up Tulketh Brow and Tom Benson Way.
The roundabout appears to have been put in to allow cars to make a right turn out of Tulketh Road on to Tulketh Brow.
This move was completely unnecessary as they were able to join the traffic at the traffic lights on Water Lane.
Also the right turn lane is now foreshortened by a pedestrian island, causing further problems.
Surely this could have been placed further down towards the traffic lights.
The problem would be solved if the junction was returned to its original state.
Jacqueline Taylor, Ingol, via email

Fountains would be a delight in square
Further to my letter in support of the Winckley Square proposals, here's an extract from Delight by JB Priestley in 1949.
"Fountains, I doubt if I ever saw one, even the smallest,without some tingling of delight. They enchant me in the daytime, when the sunlight enables their jets and sprays and turns their scattered drops into diamonds."
Fiona Candy, via email

Tithebarn could be affected by recession
Your front page article about the planning application for the Tithebarn project in which you state that construction will commence in 2010, made me wonder if we are on the same planet!
We are in recession and construction projects all over the country are being put on hold.
Many architects and consultants are having design work halted also. Especially affected are offices, apartments, housing and shops.
This is not only about funding detailed design work and the subsequent funding of building work, it is about the dwindling value of the property portfolios of development companies and their probable difficulties in "signing up" as opposed to "securing" tenants; and especially being able to obtain funding from banks up front.
In the present financial climate, which is likely to worsen and will last for some time, it would not surprise me if the developer were to put on hold the design work, let alone the letting of a major building contract.
Although I support the proposals for redevelopment in principle, as I think they would do much to revitalise Preston, if demolitions were to proceed without a signed and sealed firm commitment to build immediately thereafter, Preston would be blighted with an eyesore that would look like a bombsite and local building owners waiting for compulsory purchase orders and those remaining, but not under threat of demolition, would suffer from uncertainty in the meantime.
Perhaps the chief executives of Preston Council or Grosvenor Lend Lease Joint Venture should comment on this.
Their Drivers Jonas Retail Study, although updated in May 2008, relies on historical data from its 2005 report.
I wonder if it needs to be further updated in regard to the recession, the anticipated increase in unemployment being predicted and banking failures which were not apparent in May 2008?
Brian Sharples, Kirkham, via email

Proving who you are is not a dead cert
Looking to improve myself, I applied for several jobs. But to prove I was eligible to work in the UK, I needed a full birth certificate.
I rang the replacement office on the Friday and was assured there was no problem. As the interview was at the end of the following week, they could post it. This cost me £7.
By Wednesday I started to worry. I went back to the office only to be told it had been posted on the Friday. I was told the only alternative was to pay an extra £7 to get another, which I declined.
A lady was in the office at the same time as me. She filled in a form, handed over £7 and was issued a certificate in under five minutes.
By the Friday the certificate still hadn't arrived. I was stunned. Anyone can have a legal document in their hands within five minutes. Yet over a week went by, and I hadn't.
Jane Aspden, Fletcher Road, Preston

Help us raise funds for poppy heroes
The leaves are starting to fall and the red poppy of Remembrance is starting to bloom.
It is that time of year when we start to remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and give thanks to those who
returned.
The Royal British Legion is the nation's foremost ex-service charity and at this time of year needs your help.
For more than 80 years it has been ready and able to help all those who come to the legion for help and assistance.
It is essential we raise the funds necessary if we are to continue to give that help to all those who come to us in their hour of need both young and old.
We all need help in all areas throughout Lancashire.
Will you be our hero and give one hour or more of your time to this very worthy cause?
There are lots of ways to help, go on and give it a go, you'll enjoy it.
Please get in touch on 01772 745 839 or phone the poppy hotline 07884253848.
Thank you in anticipation.
Michael F Turner, Lancashire County Poppy Appeal, Alderfield, Penwortham

Lovely hotel stay at a very difficult time
Earlier this year I stayed at the Ashwood Hotel on Fishergate Hill Preston.
A second, longer stay in the summer was for a very sad event.
Despite being a traumatic time for me, I was impressed by the kindness of the owner Mrs
Titterington.
The small hotel consists of four Victorian properties.
The rooms are clean, spacious, quiet and comfortable, and there was a good choice of breakfast including a traditional full English breakfast.
I would like to thank Mrs Titterington and her staff for being so good natured and polite.
B Craven, Spain, via email

Advertising a great deal gets perfect 10
Given the tough economic climate faced by all pubs these days, it's very rewarding to see some real enterprise being shown by The Fleece in Penwortham.
Its menu offers four pork and leek sausages served with mashed potato, peas, carrots and fried onion gravy for just £4.95 – and as a special offer, you can get two dishes for £10!
I bet they're queuing down the street!
Andy Hunter, Newgate Lane, Whitestake

Look on sunny side
As a supporter of Northern League cricket, I thought last year was virtually ruined by the weather but this season seems to have been even worse. Now that it's all over, however, I can assure your readers of some fine and sunny weekends until mid October at least. It's always the same!
Fed up, via email (name and address supplied)

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