LETTERS ROUND-UP: Refugee crisis...Reynard's Garage...diabetes

Rose Berl, Vine Street, York

THE number of vulnerable Syrian refugees being cared for in the UK is pitiful. Daily we see their tragedy in the Mediterranean and across Europe.

We know that the Government initially did not plan to offer places for any vulnerable refugees, instead focusing its efforts on providing aid to Syria’s neighbours to help them deal with the crisis. Well, that clearly hasn’t worked.

It has since introduced the vulnerable persons scheme to pave a way for selected refugees to come to the UK but how many have we helped? A grand total of 187.

Despite this minimal response, unbelievably a Government spokesman said the UK is at the forefront of the international response to the Syrian crisis.

More constructively, he said: “Through the vulnerable persons relocation scheme we are working closely with the UN high commissioner for refugees to identify those most at risk and bring them to the UK.

“The scheme is helping those in the greatest need. We welcome offers of support from any local authority which is able to assist.”

York must be able to help some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees. Our council must join the vulnerable persons scheme and offer its support.

Barbara Lodge, Cinder Lane, York

WITH reference to the ongoing saga over the Reynard’s Garage site and its strategic importance within the realms of aviation history (D-Day for Reynard’s Garage, August 28).

I suggest the building, plus any artefacts, photographs etc, be transferred lock, stock and barrel to a more suitable arena, for example Eden Camp, to grace other exhibits of its ilk.

The structure itself is reminiscent of prefabricated housing designs to house families during the Second World War when large swathes of inner city dwellings were destroyed during the blitz.

It would therefore not look out of place among those existing within Eden Camp.

The cost for the most part could be paid by York Civic Trust and the redevelopment contractors, thereby no losses, only winners.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York

ONCE again G Robb claims he knows the views of the whole local community (Civic Trust ‘experts’ out on their own, Letters, August 29).

I can assure him that there was considerable support from many people for the inclusion of Neville Shute’s aircraft factory on the York Local Heritage List and the nomination did not come from York Civic Trust. The Local List is currently on hold awaiting council progress on the York Local Plan.

Alec Acomb, Hillcrest Avenue, Nether Poppleton, York

TOM MITCHELL should get his facts right regarding Type 1 diabetes (Letters, August 25).

The cause is unknown as to why the pancreas stops producing insulin. I was diagnosed with Type 1 on April 29, 2011. I assume I had it all 2010, at the age of 79 years.

I was neither overweight or obese in any way.

What about little children being Type 1 diabetic? Should they have a “tummy tuck” Mr Mitchell?

Injecting five times per day is not a pleasant task, but to stay alive I have no option.

Tom Mitchell is probably correct in that being overweight, obese, will possibly end with Type 2 diabetes.

Pamela Frankland, Hull Road, Dunnington, York

THERE seem to be a lot of people (Letters, August 28) wanting to have a dig at me concerning diabetes. Well I stand by what I said.

People can do things to sort themselves out, and get rid of Types 1 and 2.

I'm one with Type 2 diabetes and get my sugar levels checked now and then. Things have been okay up to press.

People writing to The Press seem to think that the NHS will sort it out for them, but it's not their problem to do this.

The NHS can give advice on how to help people to hopefully control diabetes, but you have to help yourself.

I am also renal transplanted for 22 years and have not had a bleep or signs of rejection, so I keep my fingers crossed.

However, I am restricted in what I can eat etc. So check with your doctor and see how you stand diabetes wise.

Tom Mitchell, Mendip Close, Huntington, York