Readers' letters - March 2

There was a recent interesting article in the LP from Peter Ward, campaigner for 
safer cycling (LP February 18).

I would like to comment on what I feel is a matter of concern regarding safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

I refer to the junction of Blackpool Road and Preston New Road (the turn-off for Warton, Freckleton and Lytham).

When crossing the road here at a marked cycle lane (in a west direction towards Blackpool), it is impossible to see oncoming traffic around the bend until it is more or less on top of you.

I estimate a three second time frame and that is only if the 50mph limit is being adhered to.

I have been trying to resolve this for over a year now through the local MP, Mark Menzies, Jo Turton, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, and Phil Durrell, Head of Highways.

I have asked on more than one occasion that someone meet me at this junction to view and discuss the potential problem but this has never happened.

I have been informed that an accident has not occurred here thus far.

Should we wait until one does before anything is done?

A simple low cost solution could be to simply move the crossing point some 15 metres eastwards so that a clear view of oncoming traffic can be seen and therefore greatly reduce the chance of an accident or worse a fatality.

Dave Moon

via email

traffic

Safety hazard

on the A6

Readers who use the A6 occasionally should be aware of the problem created when the BP garage at the Churchtown junction was rebuilt.

Part of the planning consent required the entrance to be on the southern side and the exit on the northern.

This meant drivers could no longer enter via the north. Unfortunately the road makings were not changed and still tell drivers to turn right early.

LCC highways was informed early in December and despite various people sending emails to the council, the most recent response to County Coun Perkins was that, “Highways officers are aware of the faded line markings at this location and have recently been contacted by the garage there with proposed amendments to the line markings.

“These have been passed to the relevant officers and are now under review.

“It is expected that this review will be concluded in around a fortnight, with any proposed refreshing of line markings endeavoured to take place in around 12 weeks’ time.”

Those of us who drive past daily regularly see near misses when people make the mistake and try to turn right when travelling from the north or, if they turn at the correct point, are nearly hit by the vehicle behind because the driver thinks the car in front is turning towards Blackpool.

This job needs doing now, not in three months, which would be nearly six months after it was first reported.

As this hazard has been brought to the attention of those responsible, would they be liable if an accident occurred – in the same way as any commercial business if they do not correct a hazard?

Concerned Garstang Driver

nostalgia

Photo shows Lytham Road

Regarding the recent photos of Watling Street Road, Tuesday’s Looking Back picture shows the Fulwood Row end but last Friday’s is not Watling Street Road. It’s Lytham Road with Black Bull Lane to the left and Plungington Road to the right (LP February 24 ).

The building on the left with the turret is the Derby School for the Blind.

As far as I can ascertain it has always been known as Lytham Road and never Watling Street Road.

The year is 1900ish I would think.

B A McCann

Fulwood

food

Enjoying Tom’s practical recipes

I have just read your article regarding Tom Daley and his cook book (LP January 21).

I bought a copy of the book when it was first on sale and would like to say how useful it is.

It has been very refreshing to have recipes with uncomplicated ingredients, mostly from the average store cupboard – the rest easily obtained from the local shop. The book even includes recipes from his nan and his mum.

It is one of the most practical books I have ever bought. I can’t wait to see if he is going to do a sequel.

Thanks Tom.

I have enjoyed trying out the recipes – easy to follow – even for someone who is disabled as I am!

Erika Baron

Penwortham

food

Let’s ditch use-by dates for milk

It is refreshing to learn that the waste reduction charity, Wrap, is advocating ditching ‘use by’ dates for milk. Like many others I was brought up to tell whether milk was okay by sniffing or sipping it. Using old-fashioned common sense has served generations well in sussing out if food and drink is safe or not.

Food safety is obviously very important, but we now live in a risk-adverse namby-pamby society where more than 100 million pints of milk and more than four million tonnes of food are needlessly chucked out each year.

Unfortunately some people get confused between ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates and education by Wrap can only but help.

Meanwhile I am delighted they are in talks with the dairy industry, Food Standards Agency and government officials over whether to scrap the use-by dates to reduce milk wastage. I hope this happens and is also applied to other food stuffs that don’t need such labels.

Louise Bours

North West UKIP MEP

DEVELOPMENT

Unaffordable new homes for wealthy

I live in Grimsargh, where the traffic is getting worse by the day. Grimsargh Parish Council has encouraged the latest new build estate and trees and hedges have been cut down on the side of the main road to make way for “luxury four and five bedroom properties”.

A spoof sign could read: “Welcome to Grimsargh. Home of the unaffordable new build.. where trees, hedges and fields are replaced with twee architecture for the wealthy. Traffic conditions will apply”.

Simon

via email