HAVING been involved in playing and organising most ball games, it pains me to witness the antics and conduct of so-called professional footballers when confronted with a slap and a tickle.

Plus, orchestrating a dive worthy of any springboard champion, calling foul and remonstrating with a referee’s decision.

With the rugby union World Cup well under way it is refreshing to witness respective teams, although bloodied and unbowed, give their all for their country on a level playing field without resorting to underhand tactics, playing as a team with no prima donnas and respecting the referee’s decisions.

In the world of rugby league or union I submit that any financial rewards pale into insignificance as opposed to most pampered Premier League football players in this day and age.

The key factor is discipline, which is alas sadly lacking.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York

 

I WAS brought up and told that charity begins at home but over time I have found out that in reality in many cases it doesn’t.

This fact was further brought home to me when Leeds City Council were closing three large old people’s homes and at the same time they will welcome more immigrants than any city in England. Charity indeed.

Nowt wrong with that, it just made me wonder where would the elderly citizens be going and who would be occupying the defunct former old folk’s homes?

Ken Holmes, Cliffe Common, Selby

 

IN reply to the story “Residents can have their say on congestion” (The Press, September 21), I believe the way forward on this is for our elected members of parliament in York to lobby the Government for funding to dual York’s A1237 outer ring road at Clifton Moor.

By doing this, it will massively help reduce traffic congestion in and around the city of York.

Terry Smith, Fourth Avenue, Heworth, York

 

KEN HOLMES says the RSPCA are a disgrace because they spent money to keep fox hunting in the past (Letters, September 5).

Well, for me, it is money well spent.

The RSPCA rescued 129,209 animals, plus they found new homes for 52,263 animals. They also microchipped and neutered them. They also treated 320,128 animals. They also secured 2,419 convictions for cruelty and neglect.

The RSPCA should give Ken Holmes his money back.

How can you support an animal charity and then moan about them trying to save the foxes?

Give your head a shake Ken Holmes.

D Fillingham, The Crossway, York

 

NOW that claims of impropriety against ex-councillor Paul Healey have been dismissed (The Press, September 21) it would be good if certain members and officers at City of York Council accepted that legitimate criticism is not abuse.

Running off to tell tales under codes of conduct to try to silence objectors is itself deplorable conduct.

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayors Walk, York

 

MAY I make a plea to all people who leave telephone messages? Repeat your name and number twice – slowly.

It is impossible, especially with Welsh, Scottish and Irish or other accents, to get numbers down without having to have several “listens”.

Absolutely frustrating and infuriating.

Messages are important to receivers so please adhere to my request. I am sure I am not the only one who gets annoyed over this.

Pamela Frankland, Hull Road, Dunnington, York

 

FOLLOWING your editorial on the Newbury Avenue housing scheme (The Press, September 24), you state that you’d hope consultation would’ve taken place with the local community before it reached the current stage.

This consultation did happen prior to councillors voting to give the scheme planning approval last year. The current council consulting for a second time is a waste of public money.

Cllr Barbara Boyce, Labour spokesperson for housing, City of York Council

 

THE next meeting of the York Haematology Support Group for patients, carers, families and friends dealing with blood cancers, will take place on Thursday, October 1, at 7pm, at Huntington Working Men’s Club. The guest speaker will be Dr Martin Howard, consultant haematologist, York Hospital.

We are a friendly informal group and newcomers are welcome, just turn up on the night. There is ample free parking.

Carol Miller, Priors Walk, York

 

SO Volkswagen has been found out not adhering to the spirit of the law.

The law dictates that at a given moment in time that a vehicle must meet set standards. VW met those standards (the letter of the law) by installing illegal software.

The biggest problem with all cars is the nut behind the wheel. People drive at different speeds, in different traffic, maintain them differently. There is no standard driving.

VW get round that by standardising the test to all cars. Our MOT works on the principle that on the moment of passing its test the vehicle is roadworthy.

If a bulb, wiper, windscreen fails within seconds of the test that vehicle is roadworthy for a full year.

How many vehicles will you see day in and day out with faulty lights over the winter months, adhering to the letter of the law but certainly not the spirit of the law?

D M Deamer, Penleys Grove Street, Monkgate, York