Readers' letters

At 2pm on Wednesday, October 19, I was walking along Green Lane East, Garstang, minding my own business and enjoying the views when three cyclists suddenly appeared from under the shade of the trees, moving at a very high speed towards me, swinging about all over the narrow lane.

I had the presence of mind to stand stock-still in the middle so they could pass either side. Jumping to one side or the other would probably have been entering a collision path. They went off at an enormous speed, bellowing insults over their shoulders. No doubt feeling very safe from recognition in the anonymity of their velcro, helmets and goggles.

I have often been passed by many cyclists (including whole cycle clubs!) along this lane with no problem. They come along at a reasonable speed, giving plenty of time for pedestrians to leave them a clear passage. With mutual consideration, pedestrians and cyclists can easily share the lane.

However, a group of cyclists acting in a selfish and unconsidered way represents a problem.

All sorts of people of all ages and states of infirmity use Green Lane East where they feel safe from the dangers of motor vehicles (due to the pillars at each end). The elderly, the very young, people in wheelchairs or on crutches, some may have less than perfect sight or hearing. They should all be perfectly safe. But my recent experience indicates they are probably not.

It is only a matter of time before there is a violent collision resulting in injury or death. The cyclist could end up with a criminal record. There would be no winners. May I therefore appeal to all cyclists using Green Lane East to do so with consideration for other lane users who may be visually impaired and not able to act fast at the approach of a group, or individual, moving at very high speed.

R. E Hastings, Garstang

Fracking won’t just affect locals

J Standing should be congratulated for recognising in his letter that the recent march at Preston New Road near Blackpool, in protest at the overturning of the local government decision to refuse shale gas drilling (fracking), was attended by people from outside the area as well as many local residents (LEP October 24).

This clearly demonstrated the fact that fracking is not just an issue that will affect local communities (our own back yard) but one that will also affect the whole county of Lancashire and the large swathes of England which have already been allocated as potential sites for the process.

Frack Free Lancashire is just one of hundreds of groups that are interactive across the country, all united and working together in raising awareness of a process that is at odds with agreed international climate change targets and a threat to our living environment. Fracking is a process that is being pushed through at all costs, despite the views of the residents of the country and the democratic decisions made by local government, so thank you again Mr Standing for highlighting the fact that we are all working together to protect our rather small back yard: England’s green and pleasant land!

J Bailie via email

Park-and-ride for hospital

So the Bluebell Way car park is to go (LEP October 18).

I shall never understand why this was not used as a park-and-ride facility to overcome the problems of parking at Royal Preston Hospital.

I am sure that all those who queue in their cars even to get on site, then cruise around for any space, wherever, however tight, and then trek to where they need to be, would gladly pay a park-and-ride fee at Bluebell Way similar to the fee at RPH and be taken to the very door of the hospital by bus.

Neil Inkley, Walton-le-Dale

Mick Baxter was a pioneer

Regarding today’s Looking Back picture of St Gregory’s football team in Preston.

Mick Baxter was well respected by all North Enders, players and supporters alike, particularly the season he helped PNE to promotion.

Mick was a pioneer in his playing days. He devoted so much time and effort to grass- roots soccer training in schools and junior football in the Preston area. Well played, Mick.

Sadly we lost Mick to cancer, in 1989, at the young age of 32.

Mick Baxter no doubt inspired the young, fresh-faced, Kevin Kilbane to progress to a fine Preston North End, West Brom and Everton professional career.

There is a Preston Schools Football Association Anniversary Evening on Friday (October 28) at Bamber Bridge FC, 6.30pm start. Email [email protected] for details. It is hoped Kevin may attend the reunion, BBC TV pundit work permitting?

Wilf Riley via email

Don’t interfere in local decisions

I cannot say for sure if fracking is a good and useful thing, or if it is a world-shattering harm.

But harm has already been done. When national government even just attempts to override local, we all lose in the fight for mankind’s evolution into a free and united people.

There should have been no interference in local decisions: decisions can be changed if evidence suggests they should be or could be. It might help if all relevant information was available and comprehensible. I wonder if it ever is.

I hope fracking never takes place, since I have little confidence in overly powerful people, but I also hope everything turns out for the best.

E Norton, Bamber Bridge

Did you spot

my handbag?

I lost my brown handbag in a Scorton park on Saturday. I was wondering if a small piece could be placed in the LEP in case someone has it but doesn’t know where to return it to. The bag is of significant sentimental value.

Amy Gregson via email

n Ring the LEP at 01772 554537 and we’ll pass your details on to Amy.