Big Wheel will destroy calm in city centre

it is quite appalling to learn that moves are being made to reinstall the “big wheel” monstrosity in York’s Museum Gardens of all places (Yorkshire Post, February 4) – all 53 metres of it.

Surely, this area of York is a place that offers some calm and relaxation for the busy shoppers, city workers and visitors to the noble and ancient city. Quite apart from damaging the immediate “atmosphere”, the skyline would be disfigured. Further to all that visual damage, there would be so-called music belting out.

Whose idea is it anyway? York has really superb things to offer the visitor, many, so many that are unique in the world which brings tourists from across the wide world. Is it possible to imagine any prospective tourist yearning: “Let’s go to England, they’ve got a big wheel at York. Wow!”

Although now living away from York, of which I am proud to be a loyal native, I take great interest in its fortunes and its marvellous history. I am now in my 88th year and remember well the erection of the hideous “gasometer” as it was then known. Well, they’ve got rid of that thing, which destroyed our view from Heworth of the glorious Minster and now are having another go at destroying the dear old skyline. I wonder what will be the next thing the morons think of doing?

Conserving the memories

From: Roy Dresser, Chapel Lane, Rawcliffe, Goole.

To add to the obituary of Chris Ketchell (Yorkshire Post, February 5), all that was written brought back many memories of a friendship lasting over 30 years.

An abiding memory was his sense of humour. In happier times we were often creased with laughter and looking through some of his humorous notes to me has brought home how precious those times were.

A central part of Chris’s life, not mentioned by others so far, was HELP! Conservation Action Group, one of the most unconventional and effective pressure groups that I ever came across.

It was a group that was a thorn in the side of Hull City Council in the 1970s and 1980s and which came about directly as a result of the appalling and cavalier attitude of Hull City Council to Hull’s Old Town and conservation in general. He had many good friends who would all be able to recite enduring memories.

Large print under threat

From: RM Longden, West End, Ingham, Lincoln.

with failing hearing and eyesight along with the physical weakness that comes with later life, many people are still able to pass the time reading thanks to large print books from the library. These are usually in hardback and not easily available elsewhere, even if one could actually afford to buy them.

No doubt in the years ahead we will all simply enlarge the font on our e-books and hope not to drop them or spill hot tea on them.

In the meantime, the carers who come in four times a day for toileting and the preparation of meals are unlikely to have time to set up an e-book, ensure it is fully charged and find the page their client was reading just before dozing off.

As public library services are reduced and branch libraries closed, removal of local access to the large print collections will discriminate against a growing section of the community.

Keep leisure centres open

From: EE Small, Sandwath Drive, Church Fenton.

As a regular user of Garforth Leisure Centre, I must protest at the decision of Leeds City Council to close it as part of their money saving strategy, caused by the coalition Government.

Surely, this is a backward step affecting the young and old alike, as these leisure centres provide excellent facilities at affordable prices. It keeps people healthy, minds active and must save costs to the NHS.

Please will all councillors stand up and tell this Government that public services are essential to all of us who cannot afford those supplied by the private sector. I am sure that I write on behalf of many living in and around Garforth.

Not so keen on heritage idea

From: Hazel Beaumont, Hill Top Farm, Fewston.

the article regarding the Heritage Centre (Yorkshire Post, February 3) at Fewston made quite interesting reading.

It gives the impression that all the residents of the Washburn Valley welcome this centre. I can assure you that this is not so. There are very many local residents who are against this project, and have been so from the very beginning.

Within a few hundred yards of the church and centre is the Parochial Hall which, until now, has been providing visitors and walkers with teas and cakes etc each weekend, the money going to various charities, local schools, cricket clubs etc.

The volunteers who ran these events have been told they are no longer allowed to do this as the franchise at the Heritage Centre will provide all the required refreshments.

This centre was not, and is not needed and in two or three years will be an expensive white elephant.

Switchover information

From; John Askew, regional manager, Yorkshire Digital UK, Alma Road, Leeds.

WITH reference to the letter from Barrie Frost (Yorkshire Post, February 9), I would like to clarify the position with regards switchover dates.

Due to the number of TV transmitters across the UK, viewers may be able to get their signal from more than one location, including neighbouring regions.

We recommend people use our postcode checker to establish when their switchover will happen. Viewers should also watch out for on-screen captions, which will be starting soon in Yorkshire.

If Mr Frost is seeing frequent TV advertisements about switchover and watching Yorkshire news, it is most likely he is receiving a signal from Oliver’s Mount which switches in August this year. However, if he watches news from Tyne Tees, his signal may be from Bilsdale, which switches in 2012.