Readers' letters - April 11

Whilst there were conclusions to be drawn from the recent GP practice survey they were, I feel, not quite the correct ones (LEP March 17).

It was plainly evident that the surgeries with the lower patient responses were the inner­ city ones.

Obtaining a response from a practice contained within a university will obviously have more involvement than a surgery where the majority of the patients are elderly and do not have access to the internet.

Additionally, inner ­city surgeries have a far greater percentage of patients for whom English is not their first language and may have some difficulties partaking in surveys.

I proudly grew up in Preston’s inner city and now live in its leafy suburbs. I had an excellent doctor in the inner­ city then, and I have an excellent doctor in the inner ­city now, one that I would never consider moving from.

There are undoubtedly multi­doctor suburban practices with excellent facilities and patients who willingly involve themselves in patient feedback.

Obtaining such involvement from an inner­ city practice is more problematic but I believe the satisfaction levels are actually higher because the doctor and his support staff have to overcome the deprivation and communication problems and these efforts are appreciated by the patients.

This real world experience makes for a better service and should be fairly recognised.

Tony Downing, Fulwood

Extend route to hospital

Have people realised that the buses have been withdrawn from all the estates?

The buses that serve the hospitals have been stopped. This means that those who live on the estates, including elderly residents and parents with sick children, have to take two buses, taxis or hospital transport. Some weeks it costs me £10 to go to the doctor’s and £20 to ­£22 to go to the hospital as both my husband and I are not well, this is quite often.

People with cars are no better off as there is a lack of parking spaces because of clinics and visitors. Sometimes it takes me 20 minutes or more to get a place.

I think the 88 should run as far as the hospital, and the 19/23 buses should run alternative routes.

Also, clinics should be in the morning and evening, and visiting hours from 1pm to 6.30pm.

This would help with parking and staff could work early and late shifts.

C. Cartmell, Preston

Road closure will affect us

Lancashire County Council has advised that it intends to close the junction of Tag Lane, Tabley Lane, Hoyles Lane and Lightfoot Lane for two weeks, from April 10, to resurface the road.

The contractor had originally put up signs at the Tom Benson Way roundabout, the Woodplumpton end of Tabley Lane, and at the post office on Hoyles Lane, stating the road will be closed for three weeks.

This will affect local businesses and householders, including Landorn Kennels customers, who will not be able to access the kennels to drop off their pets over the main holiday. LCC doesn’t appear to think things through.

Cliff Fazackerley, Landorn Kennels

Cash for EU but none for steel

Why is it that the government can find £55m per day to pour into a corrupt organisation that is the EU, yet will not support the British steel industry to the tune of £1m a day? On June 23, “vote out” and not only will we regain control of our country, but our own manufacturing industries, as well.

P Ward, Leyland

Leaving will increase bills

For many people, the debate about Europe comes down to the economic argument.

Just how much will it cost me if we leave the EU?

Now it seems we have a straight answer.

The London School Of Economics has calculated that exit will increase the bills of the typical family by an extra £850 each year.

For some families this could be even higher at £1,700 per year.

The politicians on both sides of the debate will no doubt respond predictably to this analysis.

But when it comes to the argument about Europe, the markets do not lie.

Apart from UKIP diehards, is anyone daft enough to vote to reduce their standard of living?

David Parker, Fulwood

Is 18 no longer age of an adult?

After the increase in the minimum rate of pay, I am surprised at the way in which this is accepted.

There will be an increase up to £7.20 per hour.

However, what I find hard to understand is why is it that the adult rate is not paid until you are 25?

When I left school in 1957, you got ‘the key of the door’ and became an adult at 21. Later the age of reaching adulthood was dropped to 18 because, at 18, you can sign legally enforceable contracts without gaining permission from your parents.

So why is it that you cannot get the adult rate of the minimum pay or Jobseeker’s Allowance until you are 25?

Terry Bennett via email

Parking charge ‘beyond belief’

I received a parking charge notice regarding an incident at Corporation Street Retail Park, Preston. I am disgusted at the level of the charge. My son’s car was parked for 16 minutes longer than the displayed time of one hour, 20 minutes. A charge of £85 is beyond belief.

He was late because he had to help me get my shopping into my car. I have been temporary disabled due to shingles and a chronic chest infection and cannot walk far or carry shopping. I am writing to warn other drivers of the excessive charge for a few minutes.

Name and address supplied