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Don’t miss vital date

TODAY I set out to renew the road tax on a family member’s car but discovered I could not because the vehicle did not have a current MoT. The old one had run out a few weeks earlier. It turned out that the service/MoT test reminder which said family member had relied on for many, many, years from the same local garage had not been sent this year due to the Data Protection Act. The garage advised that, as a result of this act, they were no longer permitted to send reminders to their customers.

I have now discovered another family member had a similar problem towards the end of last year, different town, different garage, but had not tracked down the cause.

I am concerned that there will be many drivers who believe they will be advised when their MoT and/or servicing is due but they may already be, in effect and

without their knowledge, driving illegally.

Mr M Tucker, Littlecote Road, Chippenham

Leaving affects fish

Andrew Milroy’s claim that ‘Boris’ Brexit deal’ will lead to a loss of rights and environmental protections is simply wrong. Not only does the EU Withdrawal Act turn all existing EU law into UK law, but British environmental standards are generally higher than those required by EU law.

However, in order to raise standards even higher the present Conservative government has just introduced an environment bill which sets legally binding environmental targets and creates an independent Office for Environmental Protection to report on them.

Far from our membership of the EU protecting the environment, it has been at best a mixed blessing. For example, the EU Common Fisheries Policy has been directly responsible for creating an environmental disaster in the North Sea. By allowing 27 other EU countries to fish off our coast, including huge Spanish factory ships, it has almost totally wiped out some species. It also required British fishermen to throw back any fish species they did not have an EU quota for. The fish were of course dead when thrown back in the sea.

Just before we moved to Devizes, I helped lead the Vote Leave campaign in the area around the former fishing port of Lowestoft, which voted by a majority of almost 17,000 to Leave. When Boris came to town local fishermen assured us that if we voted to leave, they could protect local fish stocks far better than the EU – as they have a vested interest in not overfishing the local area.

Dr Martin Parsons, Wick Lane, Devizes

Worker's rights in question

Andrew Milroy’s letter of 7 November is cleverly written, but only with the intention of misleading your readers. Johnson’s Deal does not cut the rights of ordinary workers, does not downgrade environmental protection nor does it put drugs used by the NHS “on the table” for future trade negotiations with the USA. At the time the UK leaves the EU current UK Laws on employment and the environment will be unchanged. From then onwards, the power to change such laws will rest solely with the UK Parliament democratically elected by the British people, and not subject to EU directives issued by the EU Commission. True, if Parliament decides, the laws may change, but this may be for the better or the worse depending on ones point of view. And if the latter, the UK voters will be able to express there displeasure at the next election. With regard to the NHS, Johnson has already made it quite clear, it will not be a bargain chip with the USA.

It is shame that Project Fear is alive and well and still getting space in newspapers, but that is the price we pay for freedom of speech.

Robin Philip, Luckington

Reserved seating

I was approaching the market place in Devizes last Saturday afternoon when I noticed three parachutes coming into to land.

Was it 2 Para, no it was the three shortlisted candidates attending the final selection meeting for the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming general election.

Searched for any local connection . Absolutely nothing to find which has caused the sudden resignation of the local association chairman.

The winning candidate must have been locally educated. Then you discover like David Cameron and Boris Johnson his close friends, he was Eton educated.

On Sunday morning Danny Kruger had the arrogance to think he was entitled to process with the mayoral party to the Remembrance Sunday ceremony . This is reserved for the sitting MP not a candidate.

I thought to myself the concept of divine rule is still alive and kicking in the Tory party.

Ian Hopkins, Southbroom Road, Devizes

Train fares are out of reach

You have reported the anger felt by commuters at Pewsey and Bedwyn at the more than doubling of some fares. GWR seems to be intent on running roughshod over their customers’ complaints. What the company totally fails to acknowledge is the way people build their lives around particular trains and prices.

The off-peak 08:10 from Pewsey was a godsend. It enabled working parents to take the kids to school and still get to a central London meeting for 10am An increase of £53.60 to £120 for just 40 trips a year will cost over £2,600, which means a basic rate taxpayer will need to find an additional £3,100. Those sort of figures will mean some will simply not manage to reach London-based jobs, or will resort to doing more of the trip on the road.

This decision flies in the face of our climate challenge – we need affordable rail routes not doubling of prices.

Overall the rail prices across the country are out of the reach of so many working people, and force people onto the roads, or make finding decent jobs for those living in our rural area impossible.

Labour’s policy of renationalising the rail service will make it properly accountable to the public, not shareholders. This is popular and is right for the environment and right for our communities. I am pleased that we have a local candidate in Rachael Ross who will stand up for our community and make sure their voices are heard by GWR. Thankfully too, Labour will have an integrated green approach to rail and bus travel.

Steve O’Neal, Secretary Devizes Constituency Labour party

Local candidates needed

It is outrageous that the Tories are parachuting in an old Etonian to their Devizes safe seat! Our Parliament is drowning with mediocre, out of touch old Etonians, with an inflated sense of entitlement.

We need local M.P’s who know the area & issues. We need more politicians who have had jobs in the real World to help develop a fairer society.

Diane Turner, Bluebell Cottage, Stibb Green, Burbage

Thank you Devizes

I FEEL I must write to thank all the people of Devizes for their commitment to our Remembrance Sunday Parade. From the hundreds of supporters who lined the streets to the members of ALL the organisations who took part.

I can’t thank individuals but a few need to be mentioned.

Our Parade Marshall, Lt. Col Norman Minty, who has lead Devizes parades for 11 years with military professionalism, has now stood down and handed the baton to Chas Stonestreet.

Also this year the parade was treated to tea/coffee and biscuits from Andy Dubberley and his team as a goodwill gesture.

We in Devizes are supported so well by our Town Council and we can be proud as a Town that we remember our fallen in all campaigns with the greatest respect.

‘When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today’.

Lt Col R W Haslam, Chairman, Devizes Branch, Royal British Legion

Help beat the bullies

Anti-Bullying Week runs until tomorrow (Friday), with the theme ‘Change Starts With Us.

We all have a role to play in creating a world where bullying is no longer tolerated, and where children feel safe, happy and supported. With at least one child in every class bullied on a daily or weekly basis, we must take action to create a kinder more caring society. Here are steps we can all take:

1. Be kind – it sounds trivial but every day is an opportunity to show kindness to someone. Thank the shop worker, give way in traffic, open the door, smile.

2.Look out for people who are on their own or new to the area. A compliment or a chat can make someone’s day.

3. Avoid liking or sharing posts that spread negativity. Social media is great for connecting us with others but far too often is used to hurt, humiliate or spread anger. Make a conscious effort to only build others up and stop following people that spread hate.

4. Be a positive role model. If you are quick to put other people down or laugh at others who are different, it’s likely you are having a negative influence on those around you.

5. Be there for the children and teenagers in your life. These are not easy times to be growing up in. Make sure they know you are always there for them, and create time together when they can share what’s on their mind. A walk, a trip to the cinema or their favourite restaurant, a car journey – these are all good times to check in.

Finally, if you or someone you know needs help with bullying visit www.kidscape.org.uk.

Lauren Seager-Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Kidscape, Grosvenor Gardens, London

Let’s vote to care

DURING this election campaign, I am concerned with who will represent the constituency of Chippenham in the next parliament.

As a supporter of Catholic aid agency CAFOD, I hope that candidates of all parties will look beyond Brexit to ensure that critical global issues don’t fall off the agenda.

We must fight for an outward looking, interconnected society.

I am proud of the difference that UK aid makes, and we must ensure that it continues to be spent on tackling poverty and the needs of the most vulnerable over UK interests.

We are also the last generation that can tackle the global climate crisis. Britain must make this a priority and urgently put in place policies to achieve net zero emissions. By doing so we can create a world of cleaner water, fresher air and a safer home for all of us to enjoy.

Mrs Liz Nash, Bradford on Avon

Charity can help

EVERY year 500 people across Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon & Gloucestershire are told they have pancreatic cancer and are suddenly faced with terrifyingly low survival statistics that haven’t changed in 50 years.

Currently, the disease has the lowest survival of other common cancer such as prostate, breast or bowel cancer with 93 per cent of people die within five years of diagnosis.

Other cancers have seen huge improvement in survival which is proof that Government action, research funding and public awareness can save lives.

This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, our charity has launched a new campaign to open the public’s eyes to pancreatic cancer and call on the next Government to create the first dedicated national plan to address this cancer emergency.

I urge your readers to show their support for Pancreatic Cancer UK’s campaign by signing our petition and helping us transform the future for everyone diagnosed with this awful disease. Please take a stand with us by visiting: demandsurvivalnow.org.uk

If you are affected by pancreatic cancer and need support please visit pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information-and-support or you can contact the Pancreatic Cancer UK Support Line and speak to any of our specialist nurses (Freecall: 0808 801 0707).

Dianne Dobson, Pancreatic Cancer UK Specialist Nurse

Santa is for us all

I’M WRITING to let readers know that we have a very special festive treat for children with vision impairment in the run up to Christmas.

As you know, Santa receives millions of letters from children each year and works hard to respond to every single one - but he knows that often children with vision impairment are not able to read his reply.

That is why he is teaming up with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), who have a squad of elves standing by to make sure his letters are available in formats like braille, audio and large print.

If you know a child with vision impairment who would love to receive a letter from Santa then please send their Christmas letter to Santa Claus, RNIB, Midgate House, Midgate, Peterborough PE1 1TN by Monday, December 2.

Alternatively, you can email santa@rnib.org.uk by December 20for an email with a large-print attachment.

Make sure to include the child’s name age, postal address, contact number and which format they need.

Special thanks to our incredible fundraisers for making this Christmas wish come true.

Merry Christmas!

David Clarke, Director of Services at RNIB, Judd Street, London

Shop for HomeStart

WE are delighted that Home-Start Kennet has been chosen to benefit from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

At a time when funds for community groups and charitable organisations are becoming more difficult to access, we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a real difference in Wiltshire.

We are raising funds to provide home visiting support to families facing tough times. Every week for two hours, our volunteers visit families to help them cope with challenges such as loneliness, isolation, illness, bereavement, multiple birth and family breakdown.

To help us raise vital funds, we’ll be relying on Co-op members. When a member buys selected products or services from the Co-op they earn a five per cent reward for themselves, with a further one per cent for local causes like ours.

The Co-op is looking to support organisations that make a difference in their local communities by protecting & improving community spaces, helping people reach their full potential by developing their skills, or promoting health and wellbeing.

Co-op members can choose a cause by going online www.coop.co.uk/membership. We really hope that people will visit the website and choose to support us.

If you’re not a member and would like to support us, you can join at your local store or online at www.coop.co.uk.

When a community comes together we’re able to achieve great things, so we hope you can help promote our project.

For more information about us, please visit www.home-startkennet.co.uk

Joanne Kent, Home-Start Kennet