Last updated 11:23, Thursday, 08 May 2008

SIR – So the National Park Authority now supports dumping nuclear waste in Cumbria (The Whitehaven News, April 24).

SIR – So the National Park Authority now supports dumping nuclear waste in Cumbria (The Whitehaven News, April 24). This major U-turn by the authority from its 1995 anti-dump position appears to be based on ‘the likelihood of West Cumbria being put forward as a potential volunteer community is very high’ – as stated in its Minerals and Waste Strategy report.
Many will hope that the authority doesn’t make a habit of making decisions on major issues on such flights of fancy, for while there are indeed many prepared to sell out West Cumbria in return for some package of Government sweeteners, the well-documented unsuitability of the local geology will inevitably pull the plug on such hopes.
Even if that were not the case, I can’t help wondering whether the authority had the gumption to realise that by confirming its willingness to ‘work with partners’ on any proposed underground nuclear waste repository, it was ramping up the prospect of West Cumbria being put forward by a good few notches by throwing its weight behind the plans.
Adding insult to injury, the authority’s spokesman, Mick Casey, is quoted as saying that, at the time of NIREX, the authority objected to sites inside the National Park but did not give a view on sites outside the Park.
That is simply not true. Had Mr Casey read the authority’s proof of evidence to the Rock Characterisation Facility (RCF) Inquiry, he would know that the authority’s assistant chief planning officer told the inquiry that, while the widely accepted view that major developments such as the RCF should not be sited within national parks, it was equally true that major developments just outside the boundary of a park are capable of casting a similar shadow causing significant damage to those national interests within.
His evidence concluded that:
the harmful impact of the RCF on the National Park would be significant both in terms of views from and of the National Park;
the construction and operation of the RCF would have a damaging effect on the special character and qualities of this western part of the Lake District, and the setting of the National Park.
This view seems pretty specific to me and would clearly apply to any above-ground development of an underground dump, whether or not it included an RCF. It therefore begs the question as to what has now prompted the authority to apparently abandon this protective and logical position. Many people inside and outside the National Park will accept nothing less than strong and independent leadership from the authority and will expect such an organisation to remain true to its principles.
Let’s hope that, unlike many of those shakers and movers in West Cumbria who have recently rolled over to pressures from the nuclear industry – as in the case of calls for a new reactor at Sellafield – the authority has not been similarly seduced.
Martin FORWOOD
Campaign Coordinator CORE

SIR – It is very concerning to read that the National Park Authority is now ready to consider the concept of ‘voluntarism’ over disposal of nuclear waste.
In 1997 the Secretary of State rejected Nirex’s plans for a dump at Gosforth not only on grounds of “poor design, layout and arrangements for access and the adverse impact on visual amenity, a protected species and the natural beauty of the National Park” but also “the scientific uncertainties and technical deficiencies in the proposals presented by Nirex” and the “process of selection of the site and the broader issue of scope and adequacy of the environmental statement”.
Since the R & D required to establish the feasibility of the deep repository concept has still not been carried out, I cannot imagine how the National Park can think that ‘voluntarism’ represents any improvement on the previously flawed site selection, which was rejected because it relied on proximity to Sellafield, not geological suitability. What has changed?
Dr Ruth BALOGH
Nuclear issues campaigner
West Cumbria & North Lakes Friends of the Earth
Negative image of a community
SIR – I represent Distington as part of my ward as a county councillor and I feel I must respond to the article “Pensioner’s plan after yobbish behaviour at bus stop” (page six, Whitehaven News, May 1).
I am not disputing your right to print what you see as a news item, but I do question the negativity which it promoted in regard to the people of Distington and especially the youth of the village.
The use of such words as “yobs” and “hooligans” leads to a perception by the public in general as referring to young people.
In regard to the use of public services, not only do young people use these services, but generally members of all ages. I am not denying that we have our share of anti-social behaviour in Distington, as has every village and town in Cumbria, and this is causing the county council much concern. But this is widespread, indeed throughout the country, and I would dispute that we of Distington are in the lower leagues of anti-social and criminal behaviour as your article can be construed as suggesting.
As I understand it, a lady, quite innocently, put in a request to have a bus stop moved from her front door citing as one reason anti-social behaviour, but there were other reasons. The lady and her family are quite upset that what they saw as an innocent request hit the headlines.
There are many positives in regard to a continually improving community spirit within Distington, right from older residents to the younger generations. A lot of good work to combat anti-social behaviour has been – and is being – done in Distington, as well as support for more mature residents.
This is done to a large extent through the Distington Rural Safety Group which consists of members of the parish council, the borough council, the county council, police, school, surgery and social services. There are also representatives from the Club for Young People; the Rugby Club and the Community Centre. There are other clubs for older people, the British Legion and Young Mothers who also contribute to not only making Distington a safer place, but a village of which to be proud.
Not all issues can be resolved quickly, but generally success is forthcoming and I for one cannot complain of the friendliness of the community to which I am proud to be associated.
A C ROSS
(Councillor, Distington & Moresby)
Kirkland
A fresh look at
the Corkhill case
SIR – The views of the Rev John Bannister (The Whitehaven News, April 24) regarding the Mirehouse man fined for an open bin are both misguided and misjudged.
True the heavy-handed procedures employed by Copeland and the severity of the charges levied are disproportionate to the seriousness of the crime, but look at the facts of the case:
Mr Corkhill was warned on previous occasions of the consequences of his actions, yet he still blatantly carried on and did the same again.
He initially accepted the fixed penalty and agreed to pay but when this payment was not received, he was summoned to court.
At no point prior to this did he contact the local media to make people aware of the situation, or seek any legal representation, nor did he appear at the hearing to put his case. Only when the charge was found proved and he was sent a bill did he start bleating like a spoiled child. He should have been prepared to stand up and make his voice heard.
There was no guarantee of success and he may well have still been fined the full amount, but he would have gained something: the respect of the people of Whitehaven.
As for the fund that has been set up to help him pay his fine, I for one have got better things to spend my money on, than one man’s arrogance.
John MOONEY
Whitehaven

SIR – I also received a letter from the council’s enforcement team, telling me that if my bin lid was open again I would be liable to a fine. They said they had the photograph to prove it.
When I phoned the council and they described my property on the photos, they finally realised they had sent the letter to the wrong address, and said sorry for the inconvenience. I thought it would have been appropriate for the enforcement officer responsible to have been made to come and apologise face to face, but that is a lot to expect from this ignorant council.
S LITTLE
Herdus Road, Mirehouse

SIR – I live in Frizington. On my drive to the Whitehaven train station around 6am the other Monday the pavements along Strand Street were festooned with garbage where seagulls had ripped open the black bags.
Surely if the council is genuinely concerned about garbage then the first priority must be to keep the streets clean and provide suitable receptacles for the businesses along here? They should not go chasing individuals who have actually taken the time to put their garbage into a solid container for collection.
The problem here is clearly the two- weekly garbage collection. If you have a car then there is an option to visit the local dump. If, however, you are not fortunate enough to own a car then what do you do?
David GAIR
Frizington
No answer on MP’s expenses
SIR – On February 14 a request appeared in The Whitehaven News for Copeland MP Jamie Reed to explain how he managed to spend £159,088, during 2007, on “expenses”. To date no explanation appears to have been forthcoming. Perhaps Mr Reed omitted to read the News that week, but this is unlikely as he is quoted frequently in the paper.
Another possible explanation is that he is busy attempting to save the town’s post offices and the once vibrant but now decaying private business sector in the town.
Nevertheless, there must be many townspeople anxious to read Mr Reed’s schedule of expenses incurred on behalf of his constituents.
Brian PARNABY
Ullock
Generosity to our twins
SIR – Thank you for reporting the very successful visit to the western valleys by 43 friends from our French twin town.
The Western Valleys Twinning Association is very grateful to the many locals who showed the visitors hospitality in one way or another. When we go to St Martin our hosts there are similarly very kind, generous and hospitable towards us.
The twinning is a superb way of making a reality of the “international friendship” which is so often talked about but not so often experienced. I believe all our members and their guests enjoyed the recent twinning visit enormously.
Your otherwise excellent report failed to mention a spectacular example of generosity during the recent visit, when Howard Christie of the Wasdale Head Inn provided all of the 43 French and a similar number of English hosts with a first class lunch without any charge at all. WEVA is enormously grateful to the hotel, which deserves great credit for a major contribution to the success of our twinning.
David KILLICK
Chairman of Western Valleys Twinning Association
The purpose of imprisonment
SIR – The purpose of prison these days is two-fold. First, punishment or deterrence, or at least the removal of persons seen as threats to public or individual safety. Second, to rehabilitate the offender so that he or she does not return to prison, but enters into normal life.
Contrary to Anon’s blinkered and archaic views (The Whitehaven News, letters, April 10), prisoners offend for many reasons, not merely from badness, and meanwhile have rights such as the right to maintain contact with family and friends now and then. This keeps them on an even keel, best for all, present and future.
And why is Anon a shrinking violet, after such a robust letter? Say who you are, and give your town or village!
Meanwhile Coun Robin Pitt persists in his promotion of Haverigg Prison as best for all Cumbrians (April 10), yet the prisoners themselves protest at its remoteness. It is too far off for North and East Cumbrians, whatever he and his Copeland committee think.
Jeremy GODWIN
Drovers Lane, Penrith
Charity thanks
SIR – Two fundraisers were recently undertaken in aid of The Henderson Suite (Cancer Unit) West Cumberland Hospital. On Friday, April 11 a prize bingo was held which raised £550 on the evening and the following day a low level walk rounded off with afternoon tea was completed by over 50 walkers.
The total of both events has come to an amazing £2,200 and with ‘gift aid’ this should increase again.
We have been totally overwhelmed by the support and generosity of friends, family, colleagues and the local community. Never did we imagine that the amount of donations would reach such a level and we thank everyone who gave prizes and monetary donations, supported the events and gave help wherever required.
The events were organised in honour of Margaret Bulman, our much loved sister and aunt, who had such tremendous support and treatment in the Henderson Suite. Sadly she recently lost her battle against cancer but she was overjoyed by the contributions of so many.
Once again thank you all.
Sheila and Paula RATCLIFFE
Wyndham Way, Egremont
SIR – I would like to thank the very kind and generous people in West Cumbria for all their donations to Leukaemia Research over the last 12 months.
I am very pleased to tell everyone that they have helped us to raise £1,200. This will help us continue to improve the treatments of all leukaemias and related diseases in the hope that in the future a cure can be found for all of them.
John DIXON
Branch Secretary
Leukaemia Research, Egremont
Why China
must reform
SIR – With attention still turning to the Beijing Olympics and human rights, one thing we should remember is that China is also the world’s biggest executioner.
The Chinese authorities promised that hosting the Olympics would improve human rights; but, as Amnesty International has revealed, things are getting worse: protesters, activists and reporters are being silenced or imprisoned to stamp out dissent ahead of the Games.
But the tide is definitely turning.
The Chinese authorities must reform, and must be pressed to reform. The International Olympic Committee and world leaders, including Gordon Brown, must speak out strongly and publicly against human rights abuses. They must do so now, otherwise they risk giving tacit endorsement to the repression that has characterised China’s Olympic preparations.
A recent Amnesty International report showed that at least 470 executions are known to have taken place in China last year, many – if not all – after unfair trials. But execution information is a state secret in China and the real figure for executions is thought to be nearer to 8,000 people every year. That, shockingly enough, would make 374 during the Olympic Games period alone.
We want the Chinese government to officially reveal the extent of its use of the death penalty, to reduce the 60-plus crimes for which it can be imposed and to move toward abolition.
Amnesty is not advocating a boycott of the Beijing Olympics – we are simply calling for China to live up to its own Olympic promises to improve human rights in the country.
Alan ALEXANDER
Amnesty West Cumbria
Interviews from another world
SIR – Ha ha ha! Tee hee hee! Linda Hilton’s letter about applying for jobs was spot on (The Whitehaven News, letters, May 1). I once got interviewed by a panel of three who had hired a room in a hotel – for a job as a shop assistant.
Even with the most humble jobs it’s as if one is applying to be the managing director. Also, employers complain about red tape but are unable to take somebody on without half a ton of paperwork in front of them even for the most basic jobs.
There are still a few normal people looking for staff. They ask what you have been doing, express satisfaction with your references, weigh you up and give you the job. Mostly, it’s like talking to somebody from another planet.
Alan WILLS
Mill Rise, Windermere
Old school
SIR – I am looking for old photographs of the Whitehaven Grammar School building, especially the main entrance.
I attended the school from 1955-1961 so photos taken around then would be desirable. Thanks if anyone can help with a copy.
My email address is raydownes @iinet.net.au or I can be reached at the address below.
Ray DOWNES
PO Box 611
South Fremantle
West Australia, 6162
Fair Trading?
SIR – I read and hear so much about the shops in Whitehaven and the wonderful service they give, but it has not been my experience.
The cheapest watch strap I could buy was £5. In Cleator Moor a watch strap costs £3. I bought a battery for my watch and it cost £4.50. In Cleator Moor batteries cost £2. In Egremont, a complete watch costs £5.
A good friend of mine recently got his hair cut in Whitehaven. He is still in shock, he was charged £8.50 for a five minute trim. I would not call any of the above fair trading. What do readers think?
Michael WILLIAMS
Birks Road, Cleator Moor
Water woes
SIR – If tap water is so superior to bottled, why do I get an upset stomach every time I drink it (unless boiled and in coffee or tea), when I don’t if I drink bottled?
Name and address supplied