LETTERS ROUND-UP

There have been many schemes dating back throughout the decades.

A few years ago York was the top tourist attraction outside London.

I see the cranes whirling and the new developments of Hungate, Clifford Street, Holgate Road and Hull Road.

There is also the expansion of the university. Clearly these developments have been given the go ahead. Is the reason for the lack of development of Piccadilly down to heritage?

The Minster has no problem getting Euro and heritage funding.

That maybe is what is needed down Piccadilly.

So finally, It does not surprise me that the owners of sites such as Nestle and the Teardrop, the owners of the land want to sell the land at the top price. and developers want it at the cheapest price.

For this reason York city centre is slow to develop its potential and areas remain unchanged.

Timothy Wynn Werninck, Dodgson Terrace, Acomb, York

VERY soon in the House of Lords, Liberal Democrat peers will table a “fatal motion”, designed to stop the Conservative government’s proposal to cut tax credits by up to £1,000 for three million low paid workers, including over 5,000 in York.

This goes against the general rule that the Lords should not interfere in financial bills, but Lib Dem peers have made an exception in this case as the proposal is so grossly unfair and victimises those who are trying to earn a living and contribute to society.

Of course, Lib Dems feel that a better way to cut the deficit would be to force global companies to pay a fair rate of tax and by clamping down on tax evasion by the rich, rather than victimising those who do vital jobs that are not well paid.

David Cameron ruled out tax credit cuts during May’s election; now he is reneging on that pledge.

As for Labour, they are proposing to allow the cuts, provided transitional measures are put in place to cushion the blow.

If Labour really care for the low paid, it is vital that they support the Lib Dem motion. Any other approach is a cop out.

Tony Fisher, West End, Strensall, York

MEMBERS of the Acomb and Westfield branch of York Labour Party would like to express our delight in learning that the employees of our local branch of Lidl, in Thanet Road, York, are among those about to be paid at a rate above the living wage.

Congratulations on being the first grocery supermarket to make this decision.

However, our members also urge Lidl to consider the benefits of working with trade unions and formally recognise USDAW, the shop workers union.

Trade unions benefit employers as well as employees. They can help employers communicate better with staff; help with safety issues so that fewer days are lost as a result of work-related injuries and occupational illnesses; they can organise training and development, including access to government funds and support via union learning reps; the involvement of union representatives in disputes can also stop cases going to expensive and time-consuming employment tribunals.

Ultimately, trade unions can contribute to reduced labour turnover, increased staff morale and commitment, and improved productivity.

Louise Corson, Acomb and Westfield branch secretary, York Labour Party

TRACEY Simpson-Laing is once again out to blind us with numbers, facts, that some say are right some say are wrong (Letters, October 22).

The bottom line is we have not got enough houses for the people living here, we haven’t got capacity in schools for people living here, the hospitals can’t cope with the people living here, no matter what their ethnic origin.

Please can we concentrate on the people living here before bringing more in.

Hazel Ward, Badger Hill, York

I AM appalled, distraught even, to read of the horrific tests being carried out on defenceless animals who know only trust.

What sort of person can do this?

Why, when laboratories can all but create life in a petri dish, is this horrific practice allowed and, to crown it all, receive government funds?

I for one would like to know that my hard earned wages are not paying for this cruelty through my taxes.

Eunice Birch, Coombs Close, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York

I WRITE to support your correspondent David Lewis (Letters, October 20) in his criticisms of the government in forging closer links with China.

It seems to me that it is totally ridiculous to want to do business with a nation that is responsible for the crisis in our steel industry.

I also endorse all David Lewis’ points about the possibility of the UK Leaving the EU.

Whatever our differences are with the EU, they cannot be considered as giving any justification for supporting a regime which is totally against any form of human rights.

Roderick Duncan, Grants Avenue York

I AM surprised at Geoff Robb’s letter (The Press, October 22).

He obviously missed the comments of the ruling body on the Scotland v Australia quarter-final match at the rugby union World Cup after the referee gave a wrong decision – and galloped off the field at the end without even a goodbye.

Congratulations are in order when they’re correctly and fairly won.

Peter Muir, Crinian Court, Huntington, York

AT this time of the year, who thinks it is a good idea to change the clocks and plunge us into darkness at 5pm and sooner?

It is a preposterous idea that robs families of useful after school and work daylight.

A change to CET is backed by safety campaigners, sports organisations, business, mental health workers.

High time for lighter evenings.

R Allanson, Strensall, York