I accidentally left him behind when I went in there with mummy for a drink and snack (apple juice and chocolate biscuit!).

James Ireland (aged four and a quarter), as dictated to daddy (aged 45 and a half),
Barrow.

Problem not a new one

How the Anglian Water spokeswoman can say 'there were no records of the sewer collapsing' (Bury Free Press, November 14) is, to me and probably every other local passer-by, incomprehensible. That piece of Tayfen Road outside The Gaff has been leaking for years and has been excavated and repaired many times.
Why did Anglian Water and Suffolk County Council not have this work done at night? They might have been able to get it done twice as fast, with infinitely less disruption to the public.
Caroline Baxter,
Diomed Drive
Great Barton.

This is the second time Tayfen Road has been dug up for the same problem, at the same spot. Why could they not rectify the problem the first time?
There are other places where there are temporary lights, namely Hospital Road and Hardwick Lane. I know there has to be some repairs, but they take so long. It reminds me of the Bernard Cribbins song A Hole in the Ground.
One more thing, Westley Lane has been ongoing for three weeks, when it was only supposed to take two weeks.
Trevor Watkin,
Via e-mail.

You published my letter a couple of weeks ago regarding the gridlock that will be created when Angel Hill is closed in two weeks' time. If this overlaps with the Tayfen Road works the whole town will come to a standstill.
Even at this late stage, perhaps St Edmundsbury Borough Council could be convinced to keep the road open – even if it has to pay the fairground people not to come. It would be a small price to pay compared with the loss of trade for the hard pressed local traders.
David Bedford,
Via email.

Parking is still unclear

I am grateful for Cllr Mildmay-White's response to my letter on underground car parking for homeowners in the Cattle Market development.
Flexible use of this car park is sensible, but I am unclear whether the parking permits will be equivalent to on-street residential parking (ie available if you can find an empty space) or whether they will have unique access except when away from home.
If it's the former, homeowners may find it very difficult to use their spaces. If the latter, the public could be deprived of up to a third of the total underground capacity for most of the time.
My understanding is that the total capacity hasn't changed, remaining at some 200 spaces, of which 60 or so are now assigned to homeowners. However, in early 2007, the council's budgeted cost was only able to remain at the original £4.2 million because Centros contributed a further £2 million – on terms I've been unable to establish.
It seems unlikely the developer would not expect some corresponding benefit and it does seem a lot to pay just for the above.
Could Cllr Mildmay-White please clarify?
Anthony Platt,
Westgate Street,
Bury St Edmunds.

Proud to be a part of it all

I am fortunate to frequent Bury St Edmunds several times a week and I am so proud to be part of the town's events because I really do believe that it's good to be here.
Recently, there were a number of events which welcomed the community to join in or witness. As a member of St John Ambulance, I was privileged to attend the remembrance services and was impressed with the dignity and respect shown for those who died in wars.
It was also an honour to be part of the group that accompanied the mayor and corporation not only to the 94th Bombardment Group Memorial in the Abbey Gardens but also to the Dunkirk Commemoration. Each time the Last Post was beautifully played, a solemn reverence followed and
our inward tears were deeply felt.
The contrast that evening was (for me) to change from our black and white uniform, which we now wear for official occasions, into green, ready-for-action uniform, for the fireworks in the Abbey Gardens.
We had a good team on duty, always prepared to give service and be of help. The public who come to celebrate with us often come a long way and I feel it is part of my duty to act as an ambassador for the town, while providing first class first aid.
Remembrance Sunday was different, too. The town seemed to prepare itself early for the dignitaries and service planned for the 11 o'clock Remembrance Day service. Even in the car park, young Air Cadets were assembling and practising their drill and I also saw an officer unload his car which had been filled with instruments for one of the bands.
Our division's Badgers, Cadets and adults were preparing for their marching and our junior members did very well with the standard bearing.
I saw such dedication, coming together as one set of people for the same reason.
I stood next to a man whose silent tears moved me as much as the Last Post had and I know we will never forget the sacrifices made for our freedom.
I am always grateful to feel such camaraderie from the town.
Lesley Williams,
Divisional president,
St John Ambulance,
Bury St Edmunds.

Carers were a Godsend

I would like to say thank you to the Admission Prevention Service (APS), which provides intensive health and social care at home for people at risk of going into hospital.
This happened to me a little while ago, when I had a bad fall on arthritic legs– no breakages but I was badly bruised. I was introduced to my carers – district nurses, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, trained home carers and social workers – who would be with me for two weeks.
They were all so very good, so patient, getting me off my back, as well as washing and dressing me.
It sounds strange, but when the body is in so much pain, these folk (who came twice a day) are a Godsend.
Thanks to all of you.
I truly missed them when they left.
Betty Stavers,
Friary Meadow,
Bury St Edmunds.

Looking for old friends

I have recently moved back to the Bury St Edmunds area and I am looking to get back in touch with some old friends.
The friends are Victoria Hatton and Heather Winterbourn.
I would love to hear from them. My phone number is 07706059649.
Emma Manthorpe,
30 Ethelreda Drive,
Thetford.