THE Colne Valley supermarket plan revealed by Dransfield Properties Limited will directly affect local independent shops in the vibrant Slaithwaite village centre as well as those in surrounding areas.

It’s surprising to hear that Clr David Ridgway is supporting the proposal. Is this Liberal Democrat party policy?

I think it is irresponsible to allow the supermarket ‘big boys’ to continue to monopolise the retail food industry by encroaching on successful, thriving local villages and their shops.

Redevelopment would be welcome for regeneration of the area and local jobs it would create but there are many other avenues to explore.

This proposal will create horrendous traffic problems on Britannia Road and the junctions with Manchester Road.

I think those of us who regularly use Manchester Road from Linthwaite to Marsden and drive in the village know that this will cause problems that would inevitably cost millions to overcome!

The shops in Slaithwaite village centre provide good quality, affordable produce. It’s a common misconception that shopping locally is more expensive than going to a supermarket where you are forced to buy packaged food in the quantities they force upon you.

Any extra pennies would be justified when you see the quality on offer and the excellent local service they provide.

There would be a detrimental effect on those that have worked so hard to create a business that not only serves local people but attracts those from further afield.

Mrs Bin Joshi Barr

Colne Valley resident and local business owner

Not in Milnsbridge

COUNCIL representatives please note.

Why should your proposed river crossing be in Milnsbridge at all?

The only ones to benefit will be those travelling through the village to do so as quickly as possible.

If you seriously want to help local businesses, an off street car park wouldn’t go amiss, then you could build your bridge.

A Jenkinson

Milnsbridge

Bridge and politics

THE Liberal Democrats’ plans for a second bridge over the River Colne at Milnsbridge have more to do with getting Clr Andrew Marchington re-elected next year than solving traffic problems in the area.

It has long been the local Labour Party’s policy, supported by myself and my colleague Clr Hilary Richards, to get a second bridge over the river and even in these difficult times it is worth pursuing as a strategic objective, along with providing a rail station for Golcar/Milnsbridge. We have always tried to promote these objectives in partnership with other organisations and not make them party political issues.

Yet we are presented with a photo of Andrew and a fellow Liberal Democrat councillor from another ward as though this is a ‘new’ idea dreamed up by them. It’s all a bit sectarian.

If the Liberal Democrats are serious about improving transport in Milnsbridge they should work in a less partisan and more open way with their council colleagues and the wider community.

After all, Labour has two of the three council seats for Golcar (which includes Milnsbridge) and we control the council.

Clr Paul Salveson

Labour, Golcar ward)

Dismal benefits

REGARDING the letter headlined Feeling Penalised I agree with ‘very unhappy former taxpayer’ (Thursday, February 7).

I too started work at 15 years old. I worked as a commercial vehicle technician, then as I reached 21 years old I drove HGV trucks.

As an HGV mechanic at a local bread company while repairing a truck I damaged my right hip and was told by the health and safety officer and the company that I worked for I could no longer do my job and they finished me.

I then applied for the Jobseekers allowance which gave me the sum of £90 a week.

That stopped and I was then told to apply for Pension Credit as I am classed as disabled.

Now I only get £34 a week as they take my wife’s pension into consideration.

That is only the amount I can receive. It’s disgusting. How can anybody live off that? The Government should have a go at living off £34 a week.

Mr M Gates

Netherton

Thanks to consultant

I AM writing to express my thanks and gratitude to consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr R W Metcalf and also to the Elective Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Team for the excellent level of aftercare I have received following on from my knee replacement operation on December 19, 2012.

The initial period of two to three weeks after the operation was very difficult and very painful.

During this time I received regular visits from Jackie Sing of the Elective Orthopaedic Rehab Team who was encouraging throughout and helped maintain my confidence that improvement would follow.

Her knowledge and support was excellent. This was supplemented by visits from other members of the rehab team who helped with the provision and modification of appropriate exercise routines.

I was signed off on Monday, February 11 and I am delighted to be able to enjoy a more active daily routine again, thanks to the all-round quality care and support received. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks and regards to all involved.

Herbert Briggs

Dalton

I was right!

In response to Mr S W Roebuck’s letter (Tuesday, February 12) to my previous letter regarding the Castle Hill planning application I would like to get a few facts straight.

Firstly these are my own opinions and I’m sure of many other Huddersfield residents and not of the Thandis. Secondly I am not a Mr Kaur but Miss as, according to Sikh tradition, Kaur means princess.

My point was that when other planning applications to construct buildings more damaging to the scenic surroundings of Castle Hill were being passed – namely the cemetery which is going to be built on a flood warning area – why was there so much objection to this pub?

This is what Mr Roebuck failed to mention and as usual those against the pub digress onto other irrelevant issues. Building a pub will attract more tourists, both local and national, and this will then place greater importance ensuring protection of the site and its historic past.

I am tired of hearing about this subject and hope that when the next application is put forward that Kirklees council planning committee listen to the majority of the Huddersfield residents who are in favour of the pub and pass this.

Rav Kaur

Huddersfield