Like it or not going to Prime Minister's Questions is work

Like Mr Saxton (Letters, February 3) I have written to James Gray several times over the last two or three years and received no acknowledgement, let alone a reply.

I admit my comments have been mostly critical of the present corrupt government, its awful leader and sometimes Mr Gray himself, but I like to think they were rationally argued and pertinent. One has the impression that Mr Gray does not like being held to account and appears to think his constituents’ involvement in the political life of the country is limited to putting a cross in a box once every five years.

In his latest Newsletter he states he could not face attending Prime Minister’s Questions as he finds the braying and shouting ‘wearisome’; I have some sympathy with the view but one does have to ask what he thinks comes within an MP’s job description? Clearly not answering his constituents’ letters or attending Parliament if he is tired of it. It may come as a shock to him but probably quite a lot of people would like to absent themselves from work they find ‘wearisome’, but if they did they would be reprimanded or dismissed.

Peter Cullen

Lower Stanton St Quintin

Chippenham

Parking charge rise will deter disabled from going out

It is with considerable concern that I read your report (20 Jan) of a likely increase in parking charges throughout the county, as well as charges being introduced for Sunday parking and Blue Badge holders. This is, I believe, a most unwise policy, which could have serious repercussions.

I have to declare a vested interest: my wife is a Blue Badge holder, for the renewal of which we have recently paid the required fee. But I trust I am writing on behalf of us all in that I believe such a policy would be contrary to the common good in many ways. Firstly, with regard to those with disabilities: the opportunity to go out for a couple of hours - say to have a coffee or a meal or just sit down in the park in the sunny seasons - is very beneficial to the physical and mental well-being of those who would otherwise be shut in, and the proposed charges would provide a disincentive or even a deterrent for doing so.

With regard to everyone, the policy would surely be to the detriment of our High Streets, which many are understandably desperate to rejuvenate. Rather than pay the requisite amount, there would be the incentive to drive further afield to obtain free parking away from the centre: such a move would increase our carbon footprint which we are continually being asked to reduce. As for Sunday parking charges, they would penalise those wishing to attend services in some of our town-centre churches, to the detriment of their spiritual and communal health.

In summary, the proposed changes cannot be said to be socially, morally or environmentally justifiable. I call on Wiltshire Councillors to reject them out of hand.

Rev. Geoff Floyd

Methodist Minister (Ret)

Sadlers Mead

Chippenham

Post Covid future for towns

We in Devizes are indeed grateful to the small independent businesses who have kept us served during the last two difficult years (Gazette online, 24th January) - and I am sure that they in turn would thank those of us who have supported them.

We must also thank those other businesses representing the national chains, and of course our wonderful market traders. Many salaried staff have worked all day in crowded surroundings and have (mostly) remained courteous and positive throughout.

It seems that small and medium-sized market towns like Devizes have been economically and socially resilient during the pandemic, and no doubt the trend towards home-working has reinforced this, as suggested in your story. In an uncertain future after Brexit and Covid-19, we should be prepared for this model of urban life to feature strongly in the ongoing debate about where to place new housing growth.

Nigel Britton

Downlands Road

Devizes

Jubilee memories in Malmesbury

I am sure any of your readers who had children in 1977, aged between 0-18 and lived within the Malmesbury boundary, will recall the huge Xmas party which was held in Malmesbury Town Hall on December 10th.

A total of 1000 children were invited with 2 sessions for young children, one for 11-16 and another for 16-18s. father Xmas came and each child was given the special coin minted that year. I am looking for some photos and am sure if you asked any of your relatives, even those of us in our 70s+, you will find someone who has at least one photo.

If you could send them to the me at the email address below, there is a slim chance someone could be interested in exactly how this party came about. Many thanks and please ask ALL your relatives.

Ann Paterson Mrs

annandnorman@yahoo.co.uk

tel 07564933291

Drinking at work

Given the recent revelations about the parties held at 10 Drowning Street, I have looked at the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Under this Act “it is the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.”

Furthermore, if an employer knowingly allowed an employee under the influence of alcohol or drugs to continue working and this placed the employee or others at risk, the employer could be liable to charges.This raises the question of how a senior civil servant can invite employees to bring their own booze to an event which the Prime Minister thought was a work event. It sounds like law breaking to me.

I hope that our MPs will see this for what it is.

Philippa Morgan

Devizes

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