Write to MPs over whale concerns
SIR - The sad story of the northern bottlenose whale in the River Thames which died before it could be returned to the open sea captured the hearts of many people.
At the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), we have had many calls from people who want to know what they can do to help whales.
The question we need to ask is was this incident just a freak of nature or should we be concerned that human activities might have somehow caused this?
Whales can be frightened and even driven by loud noise or other disturbances. There is evidence that the beaked whales, including the northern bottlenose whale, are especially vulnerable to loud noise.
So it is appropriate to raise concerns about the possibility that human impacts in the deep oceans may be affecting them. We should ask our political representatives what effective protection is in place for these animals.
So, please write to your MP or MEP and ask them what is being done to protect the whales of the deep seas from the noise and disturbance we are creating there.
Mark Simmonds, International Director of Science, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire.
Plenty of jobs...
SIR - In reply to David Holmes (T&A, January 13) it was in fact the Tories who took tens of thousands of unemployed people off the dole and on to Incapacity Benefits to massage the figures. Britain could be fully employed if certain people got off their backsides.
Besides all the initiatives New Labour have set up, there is one called 'Pathways to Work' which specifically aims at getting as many of the incapacitated back to work.
In fact there are schemes for everybody from 16 to 65 to train - retrain and get them back to work.
Where do you think all the money comes from to invest in public services, Mr Holmes?
I read that the money's in place to refurbish or rebuild every secondary school in Bradford (T&A, January 13). That is tangible progress. If you think Britain isn't working, you are in denial. The T&A is full of jobs!
Geoff Tasker, Park Road, Low Moor.
A joke target
SIR - The Government's target, that every patient should be offered an appointment to see their GP within 48 hours of requesting one, is an absolute joke.
Shortly before Christmas, I called my local surgery for an appointment, and the earliest they could offer was six days away.
For this reason, I rarely contact my surgery, unless I am desperate, because of the long waiting times. In fact, I have never had an appointment in less than 72 hours.
Also, I am facing a three-month wait for a routine eye examination which, again, is totally unacceptable in this day and age, except in some poverty-stricken Third World country.
A Shipman, Harley Gardens, Swinnow.
Use cars less
SIR - You rightly point out that the Council has to pay for the court costs, and sometimes damages, (T&A, January 21) when folk unreasonably claim for not looking where they are going. However, it also has to pay to put right all the damage done to pavements by irresponsible drivers of cars, vans and lorries.
Pavements are not constructed to take such weights, so they sag or break up.
The solution to busy roads is to use cars less and public transport more and not allow vehicles to expand into areas not meant for them.
Keith Thomson, Heights Lane, Bradford.
Time to vote yes
SIR - Unlike John Pashley (T&A, January 23) I have just voted "yes" in the Baildon Parish Council referendum and would urge others to do the same.
I am not certain a parish council will be a success but it has the potential to be. If set up, it will be what Baildon people make of it.
I see little point in setting up a talking shop, hence I would favour a parish council which does precept off the rates at a higher level than the £5 to £15 band mentioned. The latter represents "back pocket change" which will pay for a parish clerk and no more.
A higher level of precept would raise money in Baildon to be spent exclusively in Baildon on priorities decided by Baildon councillors.
If voters don't like what the parish councillors are doing they can boot them out at the next election and replace them with those with a more acceptable manifesto.
Much depends on the quality and vision of the parish councillors elected. By nature I am an optimist and I believe a dozen competent locals with drive could greatly enhance our village
Coun John Cole, (Lib Dem, Baildon), Oakroyd Terrace, Baildon.
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