Readers' letters - March 15

I write in connection to your article which referred to the redevelopment of Ingol Golf Course (LP March 4).

This is not a done deal, there are many objections to the planned development of Ingol golf course.

The ‘Enabling Works’ is 
a controversial attempt to use the regulation in a way 
it was not designed to be used.

Mr Hemmings has had two previous planning attempts to build on what is an open space, turned down.

If you look at the ordinance survey map you can clearly see the urban sprawl which is heading relentlessly towards the north of Preston.

This open land will become more essential as the other developments in the area take place.

The council also recognise this as an open space, along with Ingol and Tanterton neighbourhood council.

You mentioned the drop-in membership at the golf club.

Is this a surprise when the club is constantly under threat? It’s a wonder there are any members at all.

Finally, I want Preston North End to be in the Premiership as much as anyone, being a lifetime season ticket holder, but not at the expense of our open spaces.

Derek Straker

via email

transport

We need guards on our trains

Some weeks ago, I was travelling on the train.

At one of the stations en route, the train doors failed to shut.

Fortunately the guard was able to go along to the driver and within minutes we were on our way again.

Just one example why guards are needed on our trains.

Imagine what might have happened if someone had a heart attack or a stroke and no guard was available to assist.

Perhaps the driver could have stopped the train and rendered assistance!

Hopefully no other train will be going along on the same track.

What about disabled passengers or mums and dads with pushchairs?

And the security felt by a uniformed presence to passengers?

Passengers are understandable angry at ever increasing fares – fares which often go to bail out continental state-owned railways.

Polls have shown the majority of British travellers would like to see British railways in British public hands. Which comes first – passenger safety or private profit?

Brian Ormondroyd

Address supplied

nostalgia

Joe Melling was the goalkeeper

Re: Looking Back, March 9.

The photo that Wilf Riley sent in of the Preston Catholic College First Eleven team of 1961 - 1962 included goalkeeper Joe Melling who, although not the tallest of keepers, commanded his goal area well and went on to be a sports journalist, first with The Lancashire Evening Post and then The Mail On Sunday.

He also used to appear regularly on the Sky Sports Sunday Morning Programme/ Sunday Supplement discussing the football issues of the week.

He died aged 58 of cancer in March 2004. RIP Joe.

The team pictured was – back row – Cornall, Smith, Scott, Melling, Eastham and Wallace.

Front Row – Forde, Finley, Clegg (Capt) Gough and Ashworth.

Apparently the significance of certain players having a badge on their shirt is that badges were awarded like England Caps if you were a regular player, so Wilf Riley has explained.

Dennis Higgins

Fulwood

nostalgia

We played in the Dawson Cup Final

Thanks to June Scoular for the picture of the Fishwick football team (LP February 22).

I think the picture on the Tuesday was the year before (LP February 21).

We played Ashton Secondary at Deepdale in the Dawson Cup Final in 1958.

The players were goalkeeper Dave Butterworth, full backs Tony Rhodes, Brian Keighley, half backs Jacky Geldeard and Harold Halliwell with captain Eddie Johnson, centre half forwards Dave Miller, Charlie Lea, Mick Cunliffe, Jimmy Foy and Geoff Walker. Jack Clarks on reserve.

We went behind in the first half with an own goal by Eddie Johnson, who was inconsolable at half time in the dressing room.

The late great Charlie Lea levelled the score with a brilliant solo goal, beating at least three players.

It finished at one all.

The replay was at the old grammar school ground behind Shawes Arms. I managed to score a goal in a 3-1 victory. I can’t recall who scored the other two, but I think Charlie must have got one.

Sadly some of these lads are no longer with us.

Mick Cunliffe

Address withheld

community

Give project a chance to shine

The National Lottery Awards 2017 are open for entries, giving Lottery-funded projects a chance to shine in the national limelight.

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Visit www.national

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Entries must be in by midnight on Friday, April

7.

John Barrowman

National Lottery Awards Ambassador

environment

We’ve done our bit – not it’s your turn

As a responsible dog owner, one who ‘picks up’, I was disheartened to see this unwelcome sight next to Longridge fire station (see photo above left).

Surely we pay rates to have the bins emptied?

We’ve done our bit, what about the councils?!

Resident

Longridge