Letters to the Fenland Citizen editor – July 8, 2020
Stop trying to score political points
In response to Coun Carney’s letter, I supported the development in principle at Womb Farm, Chatteris, and discussed it with fellow Independent members on the relevant committee.
As I don’t sit on that committee, I was happy to let them handle an excellent application which I very much look forward to being delivered by the developers.
Coun Carney also mentions my attendance at town council. Firstly, I’m not a town councillor, I’m a district councillor. I did ask for an agenda, which I received, but when I was elected, two town councillors made it very public on social media that I was not welcome at town council and that they wouldn’t work with me (because I’m an Independent).
I would be more than happy to attend, but some councillors are only interested in scoring political points, rather than looking after the people of Chatteris. I haven’t detached myself from my constituents that I am supposed to represent! Let’s just say that I am more happy to be Independent and visit my constituents, the everyday people of Chatteris, rather than sit at a table with mostly Conservatives and be politically judged by every move I make, every step I take, they will be watching me.
And you mention the other three district councillors picking up the slack, then why were they silent in regards to my question at full council regarding the local swimming pool when it was under threat and also The Save Wenny Meadow Campaign!
Lastly, I would like to say that at a time like this, in regards to the recent pandemic, and many people facing hardship and with many not having a job to go back to, I think it’s inappropriate to try to score political points.
I’m an Independent councillor and I’m not interested in this political silliness. Most of us know the story of Daniel in the lions den. Well that story has great meaning and also had a good ending, but peace be with you Coun Carney and all you had to really do was contact me.
Coun Daniel Devine
Chatteris
Thanks to all the volunteers
My wife and I would like to add our names to the list of those saying thank you to all those volunteers who are helping others during these difficult times.
We are very grateful to have had our shopping done for us by the Mayor of Wisbech, Couns Samantha Hoy and Steve Tierney and their band of helpers.
To me, such actions say everything that is good about our town with everybody coming together to help others. Well done Wisbech!
John and Sheila Petch
Wisbech
Track and trace will fail
Due to the failure of the track and trace app, the French have ditched it altogether. We have moved ours to “pen and paper” at restaurants, pubs etc.
Just remember that company policy is not always Her Majesty’s Judicial UK Law – that’s why you can take employers to employment tribunals.
So despite the best intentions over COVID-19 , you don’t have to comply if you do not wish too.
Establishments can refuse you entry for non-compliance, but you can spend your money elsewhere.
It’s all voluntary participation, your choice and rights.
However, just like in France, we will stop this ground- breaking track and trace system in two or three months’ time due to lack of participation, poor results and the systems own digital failures .
M.Burton
Chatteris
POEM: What’s wrong with me?
There’s something wrong with my heart
For a start
Beating away with a thump and a bump
Like there’s no tomorrow
Slow down stupid heart
You’ll wear yourself out
And that could mean sorrow
There’s something wrong with my liver
I think
This pain in my side just won’t recede
When it’s sleep that I need
Silly lump of flesh
Making me start and quiver
Go flop yourself into the river
There’s something wrong with my arm
Causing alarm
Sharp things, like pins and needles
Dancing with frenzy and glee
Stop, little monsters
I’ll shake you about
You won’t get the better of me
There’s something wrong with my feet
I can feel
My toes keep bending and painfully curling
Without my permission you see
Stop! You useless set of digits
I’ll put you in shoes
Then you won’t move
There’s something wrong with my brain
I maintain
Imagining things that aren’t really there
Filling my mind with fear
You horrible article of gunge and connections
Stop processing gloom
Give me nicer reflections
What’s wrong with me and where’s my salvation
I’ve committed no crime yet I’m in isolation
But wait! Where are my senses? Grab back control
It’s the world that’s gone wrong, disturbing my soul
So after all, it’s not about me
The solution to this?
Get up – make a cup of tea!
Chrissie Curson
Elm
They never say anything positive
Some of the contributors to your Letters page obviously revel in seeing their names in print so often but may I put in a plea?
Might I beg that, occasionally, we might be spared their constant letters of complaint. They never seem to have any positive comments to make on any subject - if they are like this at home, I pity their partners!
S Harrison
Outwell
Pets may be distressed at end of lockdown
The way our pets behave is driven by their emotional state. At an unprecedented time when our normal lifestyles have been turned upside down, Wood Green, The Animals Charity, is warning owners that they are likely to notice a change in their pets’ behaviour.
As the UK moves beyond the pandemic and out of lockdown, our animals will also be affected.
Dogs, cats and small animals are creatures of habit who thrive on stability and routine. So it’s highly likely that many pets, especially dogs, may feel distressed when everyone returns to work, school and social lives.
A large number of people welcomed a puppy into their home during lockdown and these dogs will soon be reaching adolescence, meaning reality will hit home about how much commitment is needed to look after a pet.
If owners experience problems, Wood Green is available to provide free advice and support.
As well as meeting pets’ physical needs like food, exercise and veterinary care, it is their owners’ duty to care for their mental and emotional needs too.
Anyone who notices a sudden change in their pet’s physical or mental wellbeing should see a vet to rule out any physical causes. However, behavioural problems are more difficult to define.
For dogs, unwanted barking could be caused by excitement, frustration, anger, fear or anxiety. For cats, feelings of frustration can lead to aggression, often due to them not being able to exhibit natural hunting behaviours.
It is important for pet owners to look beyond just the behaviour being displayed to ensure that their approach to resolving the issue is tailored to the individual pet’s needs and the owner’s circumstances.
By getting a deeper understanding of why our animals behave the way they do, we can begin to manage them with different care techniques.
Wood Green’s support services are available to anyone who needs it, from free pet advice to behavioural expertise, whether someone is thinking about getting a pet or needs help with an existing pet.
Find out more at woodgreen.org.uk/pet-advice
Linda Cantle
Wood Green
Well done Fenland District Council
Two articles in the July 1 edition of the Citizen caught my eye. Both involved the work of officers of Fenland District Council.
The first article was headlined: ‘Shop to fill the Gap – Marmite building scrapped in favour of new retail unit with flats above’.
Lengthy behind the scenes negotiations have meant that a permanent building can now be built in the space left by the former Cook’s butchers at 24 High Street, Wisbech.
A viewing platform was originally suggested due to legal issues blocking hopes of a permanent building.
However, Fenland District Council have now resolved the legal issues making way for a new development of retail and residential on the site.
So, I say well done to the officers of Fenland Council, especially its legal department.
The second article was headlined: ‘Council explains its stance on the homeless after online criticism’.
I welcome the statement which explains how Fenland Council has helped house 51 people in hotels and B&Bs during the COVID-19 crisis.
The council committed more than £200,000 over a three-month period to find emergency accommodation for rough sleepers and clients in the night shelter.
As many of the rough sleepers are single, the council have now utilised Houses in Multiple Occupation and affordable flats to provide long-term accommodation.
The council has built a network of support, e.g. drug and alcohol outreach services, GP registration support and access to mental health services.
So, I say again well done to the officers of Fenland Council, especially its housing department.
It just shows what Fenland Council can do when it puts its mind to it.
With interest rates at rock bottom, I suggest its next project is to borrow the money to build new council houses and flats to house the 2,500 people on Fenland’s housing waiting list?
John Smithee
Wisbech
