Newark Advertiser readers’ letters
The following letters have been sent to the Advertiser this week:
Unfit political system needs to be reformed
Now that we know the results of the Runcorn by-election, the six mayoral elections and the county council elections it would clearly appear that the electorate at large has realised that the two-party political system of Central Government has been completely out of touch with our nation, its needs and its citizens.
Even so, it seems that many of the winners did so on a very small number of votes compared to the total of voters who could have voted.
Clearly, this is hardly democratic in the real sense of that word.
Our political system goes back to 1834 when the present Houses of Parliament were built, and particularly after the wartime coalition of the second world war.
But it is clear, probably to most people, that the current system is not fit for purpose in the 21st Century when events that may affect this country can take place suddenly and cannot be dealt with in the long-term procedures that are addressed by the party in governance.
Reform of one kind or another is clearly needed and this should have happened when this country’s regions were created and at a time when Central Government should have devolved some of its powers to Regional Assemblies, as it has done to metropolitan areas/unitary authorities recently.
But as with the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, these powers are limited.
Rather than trying to create a larger Central Government and under-funding local government, it has created financial mismanagement over centralised projects such as HS2 and MoD procurement and created increasing cost of living problems for its citizens.
In light of all of this one can only wonder whether Reform UK will be able to bring about any real changes across the county councils that they have recently won, particularly when most of the literature I received from them referred to national issues well outside the provinces of electoral mayors and county councils.
What the future may bring is another issue! — A. M. WADDINGTON, Sutton-on-Trent.
Election process was a farce
Honestly, what is now happening in the Newark West ward following the recent Nottinghamshire County Council elections is an absolute farce.
To stand a candidate, who then resigns a week later due to work commitments, is beyond ridiculous.
I never thought I’d agree with a Tory, but when I read Keith Girling’s comments laying the blame on Reform as a party instead of the man who resigned, I thought he was spot on.
I fully understand that Newark has been very safely Conservative for many years now and that Reform probably just wanted some paper candidates to keep up appearances and put pressure on.
However, the party should have been honest with all of their candidates, before they put their names forward, that it was a very real possibility that they could be elected.
Now, we have a situation where less than a week after an election, residents will have to go back to the polls, needlessly costing the taxpayer thousands of pounds.
Who will actually pay for it? I don’t know.
I feel like Reform may now have lost any good will that they might have had in the town.
Whatever happens now, this will surely be an interesting competition, that’s for sure. — T. SMITH, Newark.
Reform should foot poll bill
The Green Party in Newark is putting out a petition calling for Reform UK to pay for the costs of the now defunct- county council election, following the recent resignation of the Reform candidate — who resigned recently only days after taking the votes of the residents of Newark West.
Questions are being asked as to the credibility of both Reform UK and the candidates that stood in and around the Nottinghamshire area.
In the by-election to follow, residents are urged to think carefully about which party will really provide a credible alternative. — MATTHEW SPOORS, Green Party.
Make them pay to focus mind
What a joke the Reform Party seem to be — so many councillors resigning just days after winning seats in the local elections, including here in Newark.
Most people with even the basic grasp of politics probably sensed that Reform were going to do well in the elections across the country — so why didn’t the party itself?
Surely it’s not that naive?
Now, these newly-elected councillors are starting to realise they may actually have do some work and deliver on their promises instead of releasing soundbites, they are quitting in numbers.
And we, as councillors, are left footing the bill for by-elections.
Perhaps Reform should be made to pay and that may focus their minds — and that of their candidates — in future elections? — A. CLOKE, New-ark.
Consider impact on wildlife
When developing spaces the impact on wildlife is never truly thought of.
What are really the consequences of what will happen to the wildlife once the development has been made?
Wildlife are having their natural spaces divided up, thus breaking up their own community environment.
Wildlife are having ever decreasing food shortages, as we take land from the wildlife.
Every day all wildlife are relying on ourselves to provide food for them, as the wildlife come to us to help feed them.
What are we doing to nature?
In years to come we will regret the decisions we have made regarding development.
It’s not too late to focus on wildlife instead! — S. HODSON, Nottingham.
Experts needed to care for wildlife
The government has tabled an amendment to its Planning and Infrastructure bill which would remove all statutary consultees from the applications for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
These consultants are needed to ensure that wildlife is cared for when these big schemes are planned. — STEPHEN PLATT, via email.
Wonderful occasion
I attended last week’s concert and beacon lighting in Newark town centre for the 80th anniversary of the VE Day celebrations — and what a wonderful night it was.
The music provided by Jonny Victory and the combined Newark Town Band and Newark and Sherwood Concert Band was simply perfect for the occasion.
And the town hall lighting was so impressive!
The whole event was so well put together
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is just a shame it was so cold, otherwise, I am sure, many more people would have attended.
Councils frequently receive criticism but on this occasion they deserve nothing but praise.
Well done! It was a wonderful occasion for the town. — S. HOLLINGSWORTH, via email.
