I HAD begun to think my letter-writing days were over, but the letters in last week’s papers call for a response.

Some time ago I suggested a start would be to list all the buildings and historic works which are part of our heritage and must be kept.

I believe that, in general, the road layout inherited from the Romans must be kept.

This means that buses must continue to use the High Street and it cannot be pedestrianised.

The market should be chiefly in Culver Street West, with sections in Culver Square and possibly Culver Street East, behind St Nicholas House.

All but emergency vehicles should be banned between 9am and 6pm in these areas.

More parking in High Street would then be available. Access to the market(s) from High Street is easy through several shops etc.

The situation at the east end of High Street is ridiculous, and the only cure is to open Queen Street and St. Botolph’s Street to all vehicles.

This needs two lanes of traffic, so there will have to be some demolition.

Long ago it was suggested that St Botolph’s Church and the ancient ruins to the north of it should opened up. Several buildings at the top of East Hill seem to have been unused for years.

Any chance of a bus station around here? Handy for the town centre, Castle Park etc.

As Tony Ashby put it last week, we need to start thinking and suggesting.

Hopefully, someone might be listening.

Douglas Broom Mill Road, Colchester

  • Thanks from ‘Poppy Man’ Bill

Last year’s Poppy Appeal marked a poignant note as it would be the last time Bill Gow led the fundraising team from Clacton Royal British Legion and his fabulous volunteers.

Between them all they raised £46,812.20.

Bill is now retiring from this lead role but will still be around to aide and abet the new Poppy Appeal Office and share a few tricks of the trade.

Gazette:

In his time as Poppy Appeal organiser the “Poppy Man” has met many kind people who helped him in his fundraising efforts, some have gone to higher service and some show their faces every year around the end of October.

So to all who ever assisted, we can’t name you all, he would like to sincerely thank each and everyone of you and hopes you’ll continue to support the Poppy Appeal.

He couldn’t have done it without you.

Jenny Inns Deputy Poppy Appeal Office and Bill’s daughter

  • Will has not kept to commute promise..

As a commuter I have noted the inconsistency of Colchester MP Will Quince in respect of his travels to the House of Commons and staying in London.

Before he was elected, he said he would travel daily as a commuter.

If there were late votes he would stay at his sister’s.

Before Christmas it transpired that he was not commuting daily; he was not staying at his sister’s on an occasional evening; but that he was staying each night with friends.

The latest version is he travels by train “regularly” from Colchester.

Definition of “regularly” seems to be one journey to London each week and one journey back to Colchester.

A performance somewhat different to what he promised before he was elected.

John Banks Gavin Way, Colchester

  • ...and here is MP’s travel explanation

The role of a Member of Parliament is varied and so are the hours of work.

I use various methods to get to and from Westminster which reflect timings, work patterns and what I have to carry.

Sometimes I take the train to Westminster and sometimes I drive.

When I was elected I commuted daily from Colchester to Westminster which is about 90 minutes each way.

However, I have always held the view when circumstances change so should your position and through a combination of the working hours, votes and the generous offer by good friends to let me stay at their place in London, why would I refuse?

Given this kind offer, at no cost to the taxpayer (bear in mind my predecessor rented a flat in London on expenses), the cost saving on train tickets and the fact this allows me to spend on average an additional two hours a day working, it is a no-brainer.

I am confused as to why Mr Banks finds my travel and accommodation arrangements to be an issue given that on both counts they cost the taxpayer less and my constituents get better value for money as I get to spend more time in Parliament.

While I am always willing to take constructive criticism where it is warranted, in this case it seems wholly unjustified.

Will Quince MP for Colchester

  • Criticism of Blair is most undeserved

Tony Blair transformed the Labour Party, rallied the country behind him with the biggest victory in Labour’s history, and took them to a historic three terms in office.

This was based on a philosophy that does not leave anybody out of the equation, a way of looking at the world that sees an injustice to one person is an injustice to us all and a belief that we are all impoverished if we live alongside high numbers of the unemployed and the disadvantaged.

Tony Blair’s Labour government established the minimum wage, lifted hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, improved social housing, invested heavily in Sure Start, schools and the NHS and promoted concessionary travel for pensioners.

He led the country (and his party) with distinction for over ten years.

How both need that leadership today.

For Neil Stock to dismiss him as “insincere and shallow” is ill-thought out at best.

Martin Gurden Queensberry Avenue, Copford

  • Money talks in the world of medicine

It is an historical fact money has always played an important role in the practice of medicine

The Leche (from the Anglo-Saxon: to heal) became more expensive when he went to university at Padua or Leyden or Oxford to become Doctor of Physik (Physician).

The rise of the barber-surgeon (trained by indenture) charged less. When called to an affluent home for a consultation, the physician would be admitted through the front door, while the surgeon had to enter via the tradesmen’s entrance. 

The apothecaries, purveyors of spices and beneficial herbs, provided a cheaper service than both, eventually to become the GP or the family doctor.

Today the well-paid GPs have also become too expensive and the cheaper nurses, armed with university degrees, are slowly taking over and, just like the apothecaries, will soon become recognised as doctors.

The old doctors of the past used to pronounce that you make your diagnosis as soon as you see the patient, then examine him to be proved right or wrong. The modern doctor and nurse practitioner of today follow that same hallowed dictum but feel they can dispense with the examination.

Dr FF Casale The Avenue, Colchester

  •  I HAVE little doubt there would be ample funding for the NHS and other public services if the Government could bring itself to put a penny (or even tuppence) on the standard rate of income tax and raise the higher rate too.

Income tax never left anyone hungry or homeless.

It is the only tax that’s based on ability to pay. 

The owners of the national press have persuaded us that income tax is the only tax whereas in fact it is the only fair one.

Ernest Hall Dudley Road, Clacton