THE recent anti-austerity march demonstration in York bears no resemblance to the plight of those workers who participated in the Jarrow march from the north east all the way to London.

During the Great Depression and when a world war raged, “austerity” took on a whole new meaning, with no financial help and the welfare state in its infancy, then one could think you were hard done by.

Judging by these young people taking part, they appeared not to be under-nourished or clad in rags. One can only assume they are still of working age and/or in higher education, with state benefits and/or parental help.

Having walked the measured mile, London is off limits during another strike by London Underground employees affecting everyone rich or poor.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York

 

A REPLY is necessary to Soapbox letter ‘Leopards do not change their spots’ (The Press, July 17).

Peter Rickaby has missed the point when assessing and criticising Harriet Harman’s contribution to the debate on the recent Conservative Budget proposals.

Ms Harman is right to call the proposal for a so-called “Living Wage” a con, because in reality, and after consideration is given to all the other cuts to people’s incomes and benefits etc, in Osborne’s package of dubious economics (which work in tandem with the “Living Wage” phenomenon), most people will in fact be no better off at all.

The history of Conservative Government economic pronouncements isn’t about fairness or “living wages”, it’s all about smoke and mirrors.

With this in mind, the Conservative Party is (and always was) Con by name and Con by nature.

Mr H O Griffiths, Littledale, Pickering

 

I RECENTLY visited the York Foodbank at the Gateway Church in Acomb.

Having previously had little knowledge of what they did, other than that mentioned in tabloid papers, it was enlightening to know how valued the service is and how it is controlled to prevent exploitation.

Referrals received are for those most in need and Laura, the manager, explained that many people turn down a food bank voucher as they are too proud to accept the help.

I want to reassure anyone who ever needs this invaluable assistance that the volunteers I met were caring and professional, there to make you feel at ease. Some are former users of the service and understand how hard times can take over.

To anyone still sceptical I would reassure them that the foodbank is there to help those who find themselves at crisis point, not simply a free supermarket for people on benefits to abuse as is often made out in the media.

It is a targeted service that provides support in sudden financial emergencies.

It was equally positive to hear how The Press provides free newspapers to help those who suffer social isolation to combat it.

Readers can help and non-perishable food can be donated at Tesco Askham Bar or at Waitrose in Layerthorpe.

Cllr Ashley Mason, Lib Dem, for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe, The Mount, York

 

I CAN’T understand what the people protesting over the anti-homeless bars hope to achieve.

Surely their aim should be to improve the life of these poor unfortunate people rather than have them sleeping rough?

If but a few of the protestors where to offer their spare beds, garages, garden sheds to help their cause rather then criticising the people who try to bring the city into being a pleasant place to live.

I see the bars as an aid to the old and infirm and disabled to get to their feet, not as a way of deterring the rough sleepers.

On completion of the ramp/stairs into the Minster, they inset into the seating a line of stainless steel tear-drops to the edges to deter skateboarders from damaging the seating.

Are we to protest and have them removed to appease the skateboarders?

D M Deamer, Penleys Grove Street, Monkgate, York