YP Letters: Sidelined in North-South railway divide

I READ with a degree of frustration your article ‘Northern anger at Crossrail pledge’ (The Yorkshire Post, July 25).

The people of the North must not know whether to laugh or cry. In spite of being a global region in terms of population (with 15 million – three times the size of Scotland) and an economy valued at over £300bn, we have precious few levers with which to control our own destiny.

We are promised transport investment by politicians at election time only to be let down and left once again begging for scraps from the Whitehall table.

Our friends in the South can travel the 36 miles from London to Reading in just 25 minutes – compare the marathon task of a trip between Leeds and Sheffield which can often take northerners over an hour. Make no mistake, this matters in terms of attracting jobs, investment and building efficient supply chains.

The Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review highlighted many strategic strengths of our economy here – from digital to health from energy to advanced manufacturing. It does, however, rely on efficient transport links.

This is no longer a debate about the Northern Powerhouse and is fast becoming a sad comment on a national disgrace. Westminster and Whitehall take note – the North demands better!

From: ME Wright, Harrogate.

JAYNE Dowle’s reference to George Osborne (The Yorkshire Post, July 31) reminds us that Yorkshire, despite his “cultural imperialism”, continues to be “a thriving and inspirational place”. What we cannot do is reach our full potential without much greater investment.

Osborne’s words were as nothing compared to those of Chris Grayling on Northern transport matters. However, a few grudging marks for the sheer consistency of his long-term doggedness and shameless duplicity. It’s difficult to believe that anyone else could reach the same depths of disingenuousness as he has; but let’s be careful!

From: Tim Norman, Yorkshire Party member, Shaftesbury Road, Bridlington.

YORKSHIRE also has a lot of needs. We need improved and modernised infrastructure from degrading roads to rail electrification and from medical services to technological advances. With the decline of the traditional industries, there is still much that is needed to make Yorkshire great again.

Yet, here we are with infrastructure projects changed and shelved. Dualling of roads being put back, electrification of rail routes delayed and developments being planned which are not wanted or needed and will destroy communities.

In the recent general election Yorkshire returned many Conservative Party MPs and yet we are being left out in the cold. Yorkshire is, once again, being overlooked in preference to our Northern Ireland counterparts who are having additional projects funded in order to support the Government. It is obvious that each of the DUP MP’s are worth around £100m each. Have the people of Yorkshire been DUPed?

Yorkshire people are being hung out to dry and left to fend for themselves. It is time that we started speaking up for ourselves and demanded more. It’s time we demanded our fair share and asked the question: “What is your MP worth?”

From: Iain Morris, Caroline Stret, Saltaire, Shipley.

WHEN talking of railways in the North, there are two trans-Pennine routes between Leeds and Manchester – one via Huddersfield and another via Bradford and Halifax. No doubt Bradford will continue to be just about the most neglected city in the North.

How to fight vandalism

From: Kate Dale, Helperby, York.

FURTHER to the letters published on July 28 re the vandalised carriages on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, I am sure I am not alone in thinking the best way forward would be to get the culprits actively involved in the restoration project.

This might serve two purposes – it would make them realise the extent of the damage caused by their mindless actions. It might also just inspire a spark of interest in becoming long term supporters of the NYMR.

We are going to need many more volunteers to replace the existing stalwarts (across many organisations and institutions) and we are only going to achieve it by educating our young people and giving them some responsibility to engender pride rather than disregard and disrespect.

From: Terry Morrell, Willerby.

TO give these people real punishment that should also be a deterrent to future trouble makers, we need something special. No physical punishment will come without cost to the Exchequer so maybe we should seriously consider something long lasting.

If they were to forfeit any social financial benefits for a period of say 10 or more years, it would send a message which really hurts them in their pockets. But is there any chance that the courts could do that?

Women set fine example

From: Ruthven Urquhart, High Hunsley, Cottingham.

AS are so many others, I have to admit I am an ardent supporter of soccer (even Hull City during their turbulent times) but many aspects of this great sport cause me considerable annoyance. I nominate three especially – the hugely obscene wages the top players receive, the lack of loyalty shown to the club for whom they are contracted and also the excessive greed when an opportunity arises for them to be transferred elsewhere.

What a contrast with the England women’s team and their on-the-field conduct.

propound statement. I wish to record the joy it was to watch a good deal of the Euro womens’ match featuring England and Portugal.

The players did not spit habitually; it was apparent that no-one “feigned” an injury and prior to the match the teams chatted to each other in what appeared to be a most convivial manner. Well done, Ladies.