HOW very sad as an ex-employee of Ben Johnson to see in the same edition (The Press, October 2) of the closure of the RR Donnelley Flaxby Moor plant on page one and in the Way We Were the glowing piece about Ben Johnson’s reputation 25 years ago, of a printing firm that has to be one of Europe’s finest printers.

It undoubtedly was and will always be so to many who worked there.

It is very sad indeed and many who remember Ben Johnson will feel the same today as I do, I’m sure.

Peter Boulton, Orchard Gardens, Huntington, York

 

I WAS pleased that the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth passed a motion opposing cuts to the public health budget.

This budget supports crucial work which helps prevent people becoming ill in the first place. For example, research from the King’s Fund shows for every £1 spent on smoking prevention programmes in schools, £15 can be saved in NHS treatment later in life.

In coalition the Lib Dems made sure responsibility for the public health returned to local authorities. This gave local councillors a lead role on public health and wellbeing in their communities. Since then, local authorities and partner organisations have worked effectively on improving public health outcomes across the country.

One of the first acts of the Conservative Government was to slash £200 million from public health budgets. This would mean a permanent reduction and leave councils such as York in a very difficult position.

Locally, we are opposing the cut and I am pleased that nationally the Lib Dems will also challenge the Government. We are both clear these are the wrong cuts and in the long-term they will end up costing the Government and the NHS more than is saved.

Cllr Carol Runciman, Liberal Democrat executive member for adult social care and health, Earswick Chase, York

 

MR Waite really does need to check his facts (Letters, September 30).

Former councillor David Horton and I strongly opposed the Liberal Democrat Beckfield Lane cycle path scheme part one on behalf of residents which was documented in this publication.

We managed to stop phase two, again documented in this publication.

Secondly, the Hob Moor cycle path was proposed before my election, in May 1999, and looking at this publication’s archive it was supported by many.

The cycle gates were installed during the Liberal Democrat administration – many different bikes were tested, including mine with my daughter’s trailer.

Perhaps user error is the cause for damage.

Lastly, the discussion to close Beckfield Lane had been ongoing for over 30 years as the site was in an unsuitable location – especially for residents opposite who suffered years of inconsiderate usage.

In 2012, the cost required to make the statutory updates, required under Health and Safety and waste regulations, exceeded £250,000 – not a wise use of money.

The council instead has provided 18 Life Time Eco Home Code 4 homes which were very much needed and sold, on the open market, nine homes to ensure a mixed site and cross subsidied the council homes.

Tracey Simpson-Laing, Amberley Street, York

 

WITH regard to the correspondence from Mark Gladwin and Matthew Laverack concerning the election of Rachael Maskell (Letters, September ), I do not know if the parachute brigade dropped her, the airborne division delivered her by glider or even the great escape team tunnelled their way into York with her.

However, as a long-standing member of the Labour Party, I attended the selection meeting held in the Priory Street Centre when a shortlist of five candidates each addressed, in turn, a packed meeting and answered questions from the floor.

A ballot was held and after counting was over Rachael was elected by the York Labour Party to be their prospective parliamentary candidate in the ensuing election, the results of which are now known.

Rachael was democratically elected by York Labour Party and not selected by others.

Derek Shaw, River Street, York

 

IT’S unfortunate yet not surprising that Ukip are using the issue of older people’s housing and their care as an opportunity to question the city’s position on offering help to Syrian refugees.

The two issues are entirely separate.

Also unfortunate is that Judith Morris (Letters, September 25) harbours an outdated view of the needs of older people which have moved beyond only the institutional model of residential care homes.

Moving more towards prioritising independent living for as long as possible reflects what older people making decisions about their futures and their families tell the council they want.

So retaining some care home places for higher care needs but increasing supported housing with extra care is the model the previous Labour council devised and is something the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition administration has agreed is the best way forward.

Of course the current process may not be easy for those immediately affected and for their families, who will be supported throughout the process, but the end result will lead to an improvement in care home accommodation for those who need it, and extended supported housing with care when needed for those who prefer independent living, and that has to be a good thing.

Cllr Mary Cannon, Labour spokesperson for adult social care and health, Holgate, York