Readers' letters - May 11

How to reduce congestion
A reader suggests a cheaper solution to reduce the congestion in Fishergate. See letterA reader suggests a cheaper solution to reduce the congestion in Fishergate. See letter
A reader suggests a cheaper solution to reduce the congestion in Fishergate. See letter

I refer to the severe traffic congestion on Fishergate which has resulted from the recently implemented traffic management plan.

I am not so sure that the removal of the traffic lights at the junction of Fishergate and Corporation Street is the main cause of the log-jams which have been experienced at peak times.

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Fishergate has been reduced from two lanes of traffic to one lane. It does not take a genius to work out that the resulting doubling of traffic on the one remaining lane has caused at least part of the problem. Re-instated traffic lights will not solve this problem in full.

Given that the re-design of the roads and pavements around and along Fishergate have been carried out at very great expense, it is unlikely that Fishergate will be returned to two lanes.

A sensible approach, therefore, would be to work out how to reduce at source traffic trying to make its way along Fishergate.

I believe that one solution would be to return Lune Street to two way traffic so that cars leaving the St George’s Centre car park would be able to turn right as well as left, and thereby choose to avoid Fishergate altogether.

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This would be a cheap option which would reduce the congestion nightmare and improve pedestrian safety on the city’s busiest shopping street.

If nothing is done then more and more people (like me) will stay away from the city centre.

Jim Martin, Catforth

I’m dismayed at library closures

I am dismayed and depressed by the scale of the proposed library closures. In over 40 years in the profession, I have seen some hard times but nothing of this magnitude.

The first public library act was in 1850 so, for the last 166 years, libraries have been providing 
information, education and 
recreation to millions of people.

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Originally libraries only loaned books but over the years the whole ethos has changed.

Libraries are now hosts to writers circles, reading groups, mums and toddlers, baby bounce, story times for children and other community groups. Outside organisations use libraries to stage events.

Even more important in this digital age, those without computers can get two hours use, free of charge, at their local library, with staff assistance if required.

County councillors are keen to point out the need to support statutory obligations. It is pertinent therefore to point out that, under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, there is a statutory obligation to provide “a comprehensive and efficient library service”.

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I suggest that axing a large number of libraries is hardly comprehensive and the handing over of libraries to community groups, however well-meaning, is hardly efficient.

The implications and ramifications are numerous. What about the supply of new books, data protection, inter-library loans, reservation fees, overdue notices, British Library loans, insurance and so on? I was fortunate to work at a time when libraries were at their best and well supported by the local authorities. Now it appears they are in a downward spiral and this wonderful system is in terminal decline.

Derek B Timms, address supplied

Looking for my North End cap

Will the person who found my blue corduroy PNE cap, which has two metal badges attached, please telephone me on 015242 72959. It was last seen in Finney’s before the PNE v Leeds kick-off last Saturday.

No questions asked, but as a 79-year-old life-long PNE and Ambassador supporter, the cap has great sentimental value. I would appreciate it if you would call me to arrange for me to collect it. Many thanks.

Name and address supplied

The day we won the Hunt Cup

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During the pre-seasons of the 1960/1970s, there was a prestigious cup competition for winners in all leagues in Preston called the Hunt Cup, kindly donated by the Hunt family.

There were 12 teams from the Preston and District League, two from the Churches League and two from the Catholic League.

In 1969, St Joseph’s from the Catholic League caused one of the biggest shocks in amateur football by winning the trophy.

What made it special was that it was won by a team from one of the league’s lowest entrants, i.e the Catholic League. Unfortunately for the Catholic League, both of their entries met in the fifth round. St Joseph’s defeated Lostock St Gerards at Courtalds 3-2. In the sixth round, they defeated Charnock Richard (away), a team from Div A Preston League, 2-0.

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The semi-final opponents were from Div D Preston League and they won 5-0.

The final played at Deepdale was one of a Hitchcock thriller.

Chorley Motors were

everybody’s favourites to win the trophy. They were a superb team from the Preston and District Div A (Champions).

A crowd of just under 1,000 witnessed a spine-chiller, as described by Post reporter Michael Dryland. Chorley dominated the early stages but couldn’t break down St Joseph’s defence led by Clarkson, Worrall, Grimshaw, Rawstorne and ably backed up by goalkeeper Mulvaney.

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The game developed into a physical one, with Chorley on the receiving end. They lost two players with injuries. With only one substitute allowed, they were down to 10 men but it was soon 10 men on both teams. Peter Burns was sent off for a retaliatory kick at an opponent. He missed, but was sent off for intent by which he greeted the decision by booting the ball out of the ground.

Chances were had by both teams but Pinder and Mulvaney were in top form. It was only in the dying minutes that the deciding goal was scored.

A pin-point pass from Catterall found striker Spearitt at the far post and his first shot was saved by Pinder. The rebound came back to him and, from a tight

angle, he beat the keeper to secure the cup for the Minnows.

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Despite the injuries, the match was far from dirty, Motors had some bad luck for long periods, and had the Joseph’s defence at full stretch. The cup was presented by the reigning Miss Preston North End Pauline Strong to an elated Gaz Clarkson.

Frank Mulvaney, Walton-le-Dale

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