Carluke and Lanark Gazette: Readers’ Letters

Find out what our readers think of the stories making the Carluke and Lanark Gazette headlines.

Lanark is dying

Dear Ed, – Oh dear! It seems as though nothing can save Lanark from its downward spiral.

Despite the efforts of the local business group (with limited budgets and resources) to try and rustle up some enthusiasm and encourage us all to shop locally and help the town progress to better times, it seems that there is always going to be some other decision makers who are determined to set the town back another few years or so, when neighbouring towns are embracing the lifestyles and demands of the public in 2013.

So, when will Lanark finally be put out of its misery?

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Will it be after three-hour limitations are imposed on the town’s largest public car parks, when “selfish” local business people and their employees, who have the audacity to travel into the town and earn a living, will be forced to park elsewhere only to find that there aren’t enough spaces?

Perhaps three hours is considered to be more than long enough for all of those tourists sampling the sights and attractions of the town (not to mention all the shopping that they do)?

Will it be, due to draconian licensing rules, if the owners of Images decide to focus on their nightclub and pub interests in Edinburgh and other towns and villages throughout Lanarkshire, while closing down the only nightclub between Larkhall and Dumfries because they just can’t attract the local revellers who are catching the special bus services to other towns that allow them to party to a time when they actually want to stop?

Will it be when the unrealistic rates being paid by shop owners on the High Street far exceeds their turnovers, causing yet nore buildings to become boarded up and will look quite atrocious on Lanimer Day?

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Will it be too soon before every last home at Winston is occupied?

Maybe the town will be put to rest after every last bit of roadworks (which seem to come in very quick succession) are finally done with digging and patching up all of the trunk roads that lead into the town.

Perhaps it will be long before the town’s volunteer base looks beyond the Lanimers and realises that the town has quite considerable tourist potential, exploiting its history with musuems that are full and interesting (and even open most days), as well as lots of souvenir shops and possibly when the town’s Tourist Information Office stops devoting almost all of its shelf space to brochures and leaflets that recommend daytrips and holidays to other parts of Scotland and actually gives a considerable amount of shelf space to attractions within and around Lanark itself.

Sadly, even though I’m only a child of the 1980s, I doubt if I will be around long enough to see the town become a tourist trap, des-res or even a worthwhile shopping hub.

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I suspect that the new cemetery may have to be further extended, for the town’s own funeral, while its mourners stand around catching a death of cold. Lanark - Rest In Peace. – Yours etc.,

ARTHUR GRAINGER,

23 St Charles Avenue,

Carstairs Junction.

Disaster sites?

Dear Ed, – I’m writing in connection with open cast mines.

The news that SRG is dramatically reducing its workforce is a tragedy for those employed locally but it could prove to be an even greater disaster for the Douglas Valley area.

Are we to see another Dalquandy with production completed or ceased and no proper reinstatement?

Those who overlook Broken Cross have seen a new mountain range develop but behind that will be an equally big hole.

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In light of recent reports re “monthly reviews of bank facilities” I trust South Lanarkshire Council has a sufficiently large bond in place to reinstate this site as it would appear SRG have severe cashflow problems otherwise there would be no reduction in workings throughout their sites.

Why have open cast sites in South Lanarkshire not been reinstated to the same level as those in Lothians where it is nigh impossible to pick out an old site?

Hopefully I am doing SLC an injustice but I have my doubts! – Yours etc.,

TOM MITCHELL,

Hillview Street,

Symington.

Strangers helped

Dear Ed, – Can I through your page give thanks to a lady and gentleman who came to my aid when I slipped and fell on the road outside Aldi’s on Friday evening?

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Falling face down and losing a shoe, I couldn’t get up again. A lady came to my aid and also a gentleman stopped his car to assist me.

I was soon taken home by the lady, whose first name was Nicola and she sat with me until my daughter arrived.

Unfortunately I didn’t get the gentleman’s name.

I would like to thank my lady and gent for all their concern.

I have a few bruises and a black eye but it could have been worse if you hadn’t stopped to help. Thank you so much. – Yours etc.

RUBY MITCHELL,

Gala Day President,

Carluke.

Weather worry

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Dear Ed, – As a TV weather presenter who has reported on some the coldest winters experienced in the UK, I am sincerely, very worried for the many thousands of people who won’t be able to heat their homes this year.

Even before this winter’s energy price rises increased the average energy bill by 7%, nearly two-thirds (65%) of people on low incomes surveyed by charity Turn2us said they were unsure whether they could afford heating and electricity without enduring financial hardship this winter.

The Turn2us survey also revealed that at least 7 in 10 (70%) people were unaware of how they might get help, and 4 in 10 (41%) said they would resort to cutting back on essentials such as food if they couldn’t afford to heat their homes.

With recent estimates suggesting that 300,000 more homes will be pushed into fuel poverty this winter, we are urging people to see what help is available as a first port of call if affording bills becomes difficult.

Visit www.fuelpovertymap.org.uk to see what financial help is available for you or loved ones. – Yours etc.,

SIAN LLOYD,

ITV Weather Presenter,

Ambassador for the Turn2us,

Acting on Fuel Poverty.

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