Clergyman’s ‘political attack’

From: Alan Chapman, Beck Lane, Bingley.

THE attack on Right-wing governments in general, and David Cameron’s attempt to create the Big Society, by Rev Howson (Yorkshire Post, February 16) exposes his own very Left-wing views.

I would point out to him that there has been a long-term significant bond between the Conservative Party and the Anglican Church.

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His extreme party political remarks will offend the majority of the diminishing church congregations.

Rev Howson claims the new popular government that acquired more than 50 per cent of the votes cast at the 2010 General Election, is waging ideological war on the public sector.

However, he conveniently forgets his socialist comrades buying votes through expanding public sector employees from fewer than five million in 1997 to more than six million when they were ejected from office.

This, combined with allowing more than three million immigrants, mostly non-Christian, into the UK, was Labour’s semi-secret campaign to hold on to the reins of power at any cost to the country, garnering yet more votes, towards their ideological goals.

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Labour increased the public sector numbers so much that it had to borrow 25 per cent of that particular wage bill to sustain the mirage of a risk-free future. Now the reality of reckless policy is apparent to all except Left-wing academics.

Home Office catches up

From: James Anthony Bulmer, Peel Street, Horbury, Wakefield.

WITH reference to Tom Richmond’s column on police cuts (Yorkshire Post, February 17), could I respectfully ask if he has ever asked the question on the streets: “Have you seen a policeman?”

The answer will more than likely be: “They are either in a car or in the office.”

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To follow this, as Mr Richmond may well know, there are thousands of Big Brother eyes – CCTV – most of which need to visit the nearest optician as they don’t see very clearly.

On September 7, 2000 I wrote a letter to the Home Office, suggesting that the beat policemen should carry a camera and a tape recorder. His interviews etc could then be filmed and taped on the spot.

On February 5, 2001, a letter arrived from the Home Office which I can only describe as a politician’s whitewash.

Five or six years later the Yorkshire Post published an article by Alan Gordon, chairman of the Police Federation, an ex-policeman. An excerpt from this piece reads: “Although Gordon Brown has advocated that more than 10,000 hand-held devices, such as dictaphones will be introduced by next year, we won’t hold our breath.”

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Two or more years ago, it was reported in a Yorkshire police newspaper that “the camera never lies” and “the community safety department has funded nine head cameras for the use of patrol policeman”.

Parking scourge

From: Bob Watson, Springfield Road, Baildon, Shipley.

YOUR correspondent David Pickering (Yorkshire Post, February 19) was absolutely right to criticise the police for doing nothing like enough to penalise the ever-increasing scourge of inconsiderate motorists parking on the pavement or on yellow lines. The same could also be said for parking at night without lights facing into oncoming traffic.

They could, as he says, make a substantial difference to the revenue earned by taking such offences far more seriously. Many of us are sick and tired of seeing these illegal practices ignored rather than being vigorously addressed.

Let us see some concerted action in this regard. If it hits the pockets of errant motorists, then they only have themselves to blame and the additional income to the public purse would, I am sure, be most welcome, especially in the current economic climate.

People must make mind up

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From: Philip Clay, Brownhill Hill Lane, Uppermill, Saddleworth.

WHAT do those people want who castigate the police, the counter-terrorism units, MI5 and others who are dedicated to keep us safe from terrorists?

On the one hand, they object to surveillance etc. On the other hand, they are quick to complain if M15 cannot operate due to excessive restrictions being placed on them.

I am sure that a great number of British citizens would agree that the European Court of Human Rights should be dispensed with so preventing interference by an unelected, unknown, body dictating to the British people.

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Our laws have stood the test of time and have been adopted by countries across the world.

Time to fix date of Easter

From: JN Duckitt, Wormley Hill, Syke House, Goole.

WITH reference to Miss J Gibbard’s letter (Yorkshire Post, February 23) mentioning religious decline and dwindling church attendances, why don’t the various religions get together and fix Easter, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection during the first week in April? At present it varies from March 21 to April 22 according to the phase of the Moon.

This year we shall have four bank holidays, plus a royal wedding holiday in five weeks. The last time Parliament discussed change was during 1929. Is this an opportune year to discuss this matter again?

Save mobile library service

From: Mrs JM Stockdale, Burnsall, near Skipton.

LITTLE or no mention has been made by the media regarding the proposed demise of the mobile libraries. This invaluable service covers every rural community in North Yorkshire.

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I strongly doubt whether much thought has been given to those who live in isolated places in the Dales. For instance, how will elderly people, those with young families, be able to access a library?

Not everyone has a vehicle, or a bus service to use to go into town.

How can they juggle sufficient books for a fortnight, plus shopping, and then have to return the books before the time limit expires or pay a fine?

I wonder whether the travelling library staff have been consulted. They are the ones who will surely have the most sensible ideas on how to cut costs and still deliver a good service to all areas.

Library day is much looked forward to by all who use it.