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“A Letter for your magazine to the members of PWRS
“No-one would deny you have done a lovely job in restoring the derelict station platform and surrounding area.
I note you are intending to clear the line 50 yards in either direction of the crossings. If the line is to be opened as a public walkway / cycle path then fair enough. But if you are clearing it solely for aesthetic reasons or just to give you all something to do for a couple of days a week then please give consideration to the amount of wildlife habitat you are destroying.
For 40 years this has been home to thousands of creatures and to clear it for no good reason is not justifiable.”
Name Withheld
PWRS reply to our reader....
“There are two separate issues here, both of which have been emphasised in previous contributions from us to TCN.
1)The destruction of habitat issue. In the early days of our clearance efforts, we sought the advice of the then WBC Wild Life Officer, Len Blacow. He assured us that far from destroying a habitat, we were opening one up. Such clearance provides an opportunity for the diversification of flora, more breeding sources for insects with a resultant food-chain enhancement. So far, our ornithologically inclined members have detected no effect on bird numbers and have identified several rare winter visitors over recent months.
2)Our stated aim as a Society is to obtain permission from Network Rail to open this line from Poulton-le-Fylde to Fleetwood as an operating railway. Most people who get in touch with us are delighted with the effort we have put in to improve the appearance of the centre of our village. Like many volunteer groups, our members are committed to the efforts they give two days a week. Your correspondent can be assured that such activity is the public face of our Society; there is a lot more happening beyond the gaze of the casual observer.
PWRS
“On the precipice”
Whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make mad through wilfully flawed planning policies.
The current/recent traffic chaos in Thornton is NO accident but the culmination of poor housing planning, indifference by those responsible for the roads, an overall appalling failure to communicate between those respective bodies, and now we can finally include those responsible for our water; to add to the growing list of incumbent incompetents.
This is not a political issue, but a fundamental issue of planning/economic development. Forget regenerating North Fylde without simultaneously dealing with transport issues. The issues are so serious that the local Futures Group placed Wyre in the bottom 3-4% of transport connectivity, when conducting its analysis of the area. It’s all very well for councillors to breathe the high minded sigh of disdain and rightfully condemn this ongoing failure to deal with the congestion on the A585 and in Thornton.
BUT……….. in their own backyard they have a planning committee dedicated and determined to build numerous houses/supermarkets; regardless of the consequences. These very consequences have, and will continue, to aggravate a problem that is now approaching a crisis point, after which there is no return. I have yet to see one councillor (regardless of party) condemn, (in public) the reckless actions of WBC planners in particular and WBC in general to deal with this crucial issue. Their apparent silence/inaction is a disgrace and betrayal of public duty by any standards. Councillors should remember why they are in the job; to serve public interest first and foremost and NOT put their respective parties before their public duty.
The remaining challenge is for WBC Planning, The Highways Agency, Lancashire County Council, MPs, NWRDA and whoever else to collaborate to produce a strategic transport review/solution to stop this madness, but will they before it’s too late?
I live in hope that they will, but with grave and dire expectation that they won’t”
TCN will approach Lancashire County Council for an update on the Amounderness Way situation for next issue - Ed
Boys in Blue
We often hear criticism regarding our boys in blue (police), and I for one have never been one of their fans, having fallen foul of their roadside cameras on numerous occasions.
However, following an attempted burglary on my home, my views have changed. Within 30 minutes of reporting, there were two constables inspecting the damage. This was followed an hour later by a good looking young lady from CSI, who took photographs and checked for fingerprints. Later in the day, two CID officers called to explain what they were doing, regarding their investigation.
Neighbours have been made aware of the incident by personal visits and a leaflet through their doors.
Then, if all this was not enough, the next day we were visited yet again and advised upon additional security measures that would deter even the most determined burglar. Finally, all this was topped off by a call from a charming lady at victims support, offering a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on if required.
What a cracking service, I must remember to pay my council tax next year!
Name and address supplied
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