July 4
Neighbours worked together to rescue trio On Saturday afternoon, I was travelling with my family along Fenway, in Bury St Edmunds, when we saw a female mallard with a large family of newly-hatched ducklings. To our horror, she led them near a drain and three of them fell through the grating.
We could not raise the drain cover, but we could see the ducklings swimming in the water below. As they cheeped loudly, their mother returned and we feared more of the ducklings would fall through.
Soon a crowd of neighbours gathered, all keen to help free the ducklings. Several returned to their houses to bring a variety of tools.
Eventually, we managed to release one duckling from the drain and it was decided to remove the lid of a manhole several metres away. One man got down the manhole and found the other two babies. We returned them to the local lake, to be reunited with their mother and the rest of the brood.
For health and safety reasons, we contacted the police and a sympathetic man came from the highways department to ensure the drain and manhole covers were safely replaced.
When we read so much of violence, cruelty and neglect, it is reassuring to know that so many people were prepared to give up their Saturday afternoon to rescue three little ducklings.
Isabella Froud,
Myrtle Close,
Bury St Edmunds.
We must still park safely
Tony Pilling's letter (Bury Free Press, June 27) shows the generally held mis-conception that a blue badge entitles the holder to park anywhere they like.
The regulations for blue badge holders make it quite clear that, if you park on single or double yellow lines in a dangerous position (there is a whole page of examples) or where loading is prohibited, then your vehicle may be removed and you may be prosecuted just like any other driver. There is the added 'penalty' that your blue badge may be withdrawn.
As to Tony's other observation, I am a blue badge holder who is in receipt of mobility allowance but would not describe myself as 'poor'.
I do, however, really appreciate the ability to park free of charge (but only for up to three hours) in a position where I can minimise the use of my electric wheelchair.
Hopefully, the clampdown will bring to book some of the motorists who have fraudulently obtained a blue badge or are using a badge that was issued for the use of their late granny, etc.
Bob Ley,
Long Thurlow Road,
Great Ashfield.
Town must look ahead
We read with interest the report by Felicity Hay of the results of the survey by the Churchgate Area Association regarding drink-related problems (Bury Free Press, June 27).
The survey revealed that 40 per cent of the households that responded had experienced some form of vandalism linked to alcohol. Couldn't that also read that 60 per cent – the majority – had not?
It also stated that 75 households had completed the survey which covered, we believe, Whiting Street, Churchgate Street, Hatter Street College Street, Church Walks, College Lane and, quite possibly, Guildhall Street and Abbeygate Street.
Whiting Street alone has almost 70 households, so can we conclude from this that those remaining households who did not reply were not at all concerned?
We would like to believe that our elected councillors, who have requested consideration for a Special Area Policy, represent all ratepayers in their ward, business and residential alike, but as only those of us who live on our premises have a vote at local elections, Mr Farmer and Mr Rout do seem to fall heavily on the side of their electorate and, together with the Churchgate Area Association – of which we are members – do tend to 'rally the troops' whenever a new licensing issue arises.
Most who live in the historic core have chosen to – quite possibly for the convenience of living closer to town – but we do question those who choose town centre living in later life and expect it to be as quiet as the properties they have left. A little homework is needed before making such a move.
Restaurants, hairdressers estate agents, retail outlets and public houses pay a high price to keep their premises afloat in these difficult trading times and have to study all options to maintain our profits. Sadly, we cannot please all of the people all of the time.
With the Cattle Market development forging ahead, Abbeygate Ward needs to keep pushing forward to keep our town centre alive and restaurants and bars are very necessary to keep the evening economy buoyant.
Bury is a lovely town in which to live and work. Please don't let it be spoiled the minority who will not look to the future.
Liz and Tony Fayers,
Rose and Crown,
Whiting Street.
Readers are told that 'urinating and vomiting by late-night drinkers has affected the majority of residents in the Churchgate area' (Bury Free Press, June 27). This is meaningless. Readers are not told how many people are affected: The majority could be 12 or 1,200.
Furthermore, readers are told of a survey, but are given no idea of the questions asked, nor how were they phrased, nor of the numbers of those surveyed or, significantly, not surveyed. I know of at least one resident of the area who was not questioned. If there is one, were there others?
Readers are, however, given figures such '40 per cent of 75 households', but no idea of what this means in terms of numbers of people; and we are told of 'broken glass, drunks, excessive drinking, excessive noise and obscene or abusive language' without being told how much, how many or how often.
In fact, readers are given no framework within which to judge the survey – which, the article admits, was 'carried out by residents'.
This type of survey is hardly likely to be impartial and, when
presented without a frame of reference, its findings are meaningless; and yet the article gives them weight – a weight they do not deserve.
Finally, if readers are to accept the impression of the situation given in this article, then there are serious breaches of public order, occurring with alarming frequency in this area of the town. In which case, surely, the police will have been involved and will have opinions to express on the matter.
The article, however, contains neither comment from, nor even mention of, the police.
As it seems likely from the article, the borough council is going to be asked to make changes to the licensing of premises in the town centre – an area used by far more residents of the town than actually live there – then, more accurate and much less partisan information is
badly needed.
Martin Webb,
Hospital Road,
Bury St Edmunds.
Editor's footnote – The article in question was a report of a Bury Town Council meeting at which the Churchgate area survey was considered as part of a debate about a special licensing policy. The Bury Free Press has not been furnished with a full copy of the survey results and could therefore only report what was discussed at the meeting.
Respect our cemetery
Recently, I made a visit to the cemetery in Lakenheath.
On entering the gate, there is a message on the railings saying: "Please keep entrance clear at all times. No cars – vehicles unless authorised. No dogs.
No children under the age of 12 unless accompanied by an adult. No cycling – please use the cycle rack."
On entering the cemetery in Bury St Edmunds, it is a different aspect all together.
Cars are in and out of the cemetery all day, parking on the grass where there are graves, using the cemetery as a short cut (the groundsmen know this but are powerless to do anything), cyclists also using it as a short cut and adults walking their dogs. Some dogs not on a lead – and we all know what dogs can do if not on a lead.
I have seen beer cans, other cans and bottles and the all too familiar sweet wrappings thrown on the grass.
It's about time something is done about it. I'm sure visitors from far away are not too impressed.
Don't get me wrong, the groundsmen do an excellent job, but cannot be everywhere.
Someone could easily get knocked down as school children use it as a short cut to and from school. Then what?
Terry Chaplin,
via email.
Is it the best you can do?
We live in an increasingly controlled environment with some of the most sophisticated and complicated planning systems in the world.
I watch the reality of the Cattle Market development rising from the destruction and artists' impressions with dismay.
If that is the best you can do, St Edmundsbury, there's not much hope for the future.
Graeme Wraight-Clark,
Hopton.
No more excuses
How fortunate we are, here in Stanton, to have nearly 11 miles of footpaths, bridleways and lanes, but alas, how unfortunate that Suffolk County Council does not keep up the maintenance of these footpaths.
They are an absolute disgrace, with lanes turning into footpaths and footpaths almost disappearing, overtaken by nettles, brambles, hedgerows and grass.
The neglect of our rights-of-way has been going on for a few years – I don't know whether the same is going on in other villages. If it is, they need to speak up.
Don't let's hear the same old adage, it's the government's fault. That excuse has been overworked lately. If it's not to do with money, how about the council looking inward for a change? Maybe money is being channelled into the wrong projects.
We don't want excuses, we just want to know what Suffolk County Council is going to do about it.
J A Payne,
The Knowle,
Stanton.
No need for white lines
I really think it is a nonsense, marking up the pedestrian/ cycle paths with white lines and cycles with funny-shaped wheels. They should be paths for both to use freely, with due care and consideration and courtesy for others, whether on foot or wheels.
I expect it is some European directive that we are following slavishly, without using our own common sense.
Besides, all cyclists should have bells and should use them. They give warning of a silent approach from behind and it is a safe and courteous behaviour.
There is room for us all, with some sensible give and take.
Claire Reid,
Darcy Close,
Bury St Edmunds.
Cat who got the ice cream
We have been wondering of late what had happened to the Abbey Gardens cat.
Now, through last week's Bury Free Press, we know his name but are sad to learn he will no longer grace the sensory garden.
It appeared to be a favourite resting place and he was last seen asleep on one of the seats. He also had a penchant for ice-cream.
We shall miss sharing with him.
Brenda Hudson,
Derwent Road,
Bury St Edmunds.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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