I OWN two rescued greyhounds and I have walked them in the Grosvenor Rd and Long Lane areas of Dalton for the past three years or more, at least a couple of times a day.
In the past few weeks I have been spoken to on several occasions – twice in an aggressive manner – by people who have presumed that because one of my dogs has squatted down they have been fouling. In actual fact they were urinating.
When I explained this I was not believed and even had to accompany one gentleman back to prove it!
I am one of the responsible dog owners in society who cleans up after my dogs on every occasion and have a stash of poop bags in every coat pocket I own.
I am as angry as these people about the dog mess on the streets and that is why I pick up after my dogs.
People have been banned from walking dogs on the local playing field (and rightly so) but since this law has been introduced I have noticed an increase in fouling on the streets by dogs with irresponsible owners.
I have been in touch with police and dog wardens to find out who is policing the laws that say no fouling or dogs must be kept on leads.
I was told nothing can be done unless an owner is seen to leave the mess by one of the above. Another law brought in for law-abiding citizens only.
While I do understand the frustration, could I please ask that people check, before accusing, that the dog is actually fouling.
Wayne Batley
Dalton
Castle Hill history
CASTLE Hill Hotel’s 200 years mentioned in Dave Crowther’s letter (April 28) is, I assume, based on today’s concepts with the hill top resembling a supermarket car park with easy access on a tarmac surface.
The fact is that the pub, its outbuildings and the tower were built of stone which was hauled up a dirt track by shire horses and cart (note that the shire horse is now almost extinct as happens to animals when they are no longer required or useful to man).
The pub would be lit by oil lamps (as our house was until 1950), then gas and not until 1964 was electricity installed.
It was just an ale house with the last brewery landlord, Francis Fowler, working full time at Whiteleys Textile Engineers in Lockwood.
The pub had no running water, the toilets were exchangeable tubs (as was ours on the hillside), before that a midden (a dump for domestic waste).
Harry Bassett, who acquired the pub from the brewery in 1964, offered to make the track up usable for cars.
Huddersfield Cooperation refused the offer on the basis that the hill was of historical significance and could not be interfered with.
It was sometime later tarmacked with, I assume, Kirklees ratepayers’ cash.
The last time I walked past the pub on a beautiful summer evening the reek from the kitchen vents was overwhelming before it was demolished by the same people who are now attempting to have permission to build a new edifice.
It is a business venture and should be treated as such and permission refused.
There would not have been this fiasco in the first place if the amenities that were there had been respected for many years had not gone forever.
LEN SANDFORD
Lepton
Hotel for the hill
WITH reference to the mailbag of April 28, caption Safety on the Hill.
At last, some sense on the Castle Hill topic and the reported meeting between councillors and the Thandi Partnership and their continued desire to build a ‘new’ hotel on the site.
I agree entirely with all the writer Dave Crowther, of Liversedge, says. His letter was sensible in its content and enlightening in the history of the years that a hotel has been on the site, –200!
I hope further news on this topic includes the grant of planning permission and that building of a ‘new’ hotel will re-commence sometime in the future.
DAVE BURK
Skelmanthorpe
Pledge for the future
CAN I thank the people of Golcar ward for returning me as their representative in Thursday’s local elections.
It was a hard-fought campaign but we focused on the key issues of defending local services (including libraries and buses) and safeguarding the most vulnerable sections of the community.
I’m delighted to join Clr Hilary Richards as the second Labour councillor for Golcar.
I was particularly touched by the letter in Saturday’s Examiner by my opponent, Christine Iredale, who offered me her best wishes for the future.
May I fully reciprocate those good wishes to Christine in the hope that she continues to make a positive contribution to the local community.
The task now is to work as a united community to make Golcar ward an even better place to live and work, despite all the difficulties we face through Government cuts to local authorities like Kirklees.
Community action can move mountains and we need to fully engage all sections of the community in the coming months.
Finally, can I thank The Examiner for its fair and balanced coverage of the election.
Clr Paul Salveson
Golcar
Thanks for support
I WOULD like to thank all those who voted for me and supported my election campaign in the local elections as the conservative candidate for the Colne Valley Ward.
With all best wishes,
David Hill
Colne Valley
Always use your vote
HERE we are again – another round of local elections and the incumbent party smarting after a humiliating defeat at the polls.
“We will listen to the people and take on board all they say.’’
Funny in how do they not listen prior to voting but cry hot crocodile tears after all the results are in.
Call me Mister Cynical but the same old record is trotted out time after time no matter what colour the rosette.
And everyone who didn’t vote deserves a hearty kick in the rear. People in the past laid down their lives for us to have the vote. Does their sacrifice count for nothing?
One final point. Am I the only person in Britain who feels we need a strong radical political party not tied to either union purse strings or big businesses wallets and, if not, then its time we all did something about it.
Fred Tidball
Bradley
A special donation
WE would like to report that £687 was donated to Kirkwood Hospice by family and friends in memory of our dear friend, Pat Castle.
Thank you.
Susan, Celia, Lesley and Wendy
Huddersfield
Talking about love
TESTIMONY Films are making a three part series for the BBC on the history of Love and Marriage in Britain.
We are especially keen on memories of the 50s, 60s and 70s, particularly the following experiences:
Were you a couple who chose cohabitation over marriage during this era (who either went on to marry or stayed unmarried).
Perhaps you refused to conform with social ideals or wanted to test the strength of your relationship before committing to marriage.
If so, we would love to hear your story.
One for all you men of the 60s and 70s.
We are looking to speak to men who found liberation in the sexual freedom of this era.
Were you a real life ‘Alfie’? Did you enjoy this new age of sexual exploration and contraception or were you excited by the new fashion and music of the 60s scene. If this sounds familiar, please get in touch.
If you or someone you know might have these experiences and would be willing to talk to us please contact Pete Vance or Emily Sivyer on 0117 925 8589, pete.vance@testimonyfilms.com or emily.sivyer@testimonyfilms.com.
Emily Sivyer
Testimony Films
