Advertiser readers’ letters

The following letters have been sent to the Advertiser this week: Who will best represent electorate views? As we approach the election for Nottinghamshire County Council and with more candidates from more political parties standing for election to represent our areas it is clearly difficult for me — and I suspect others — to know who to vote for, and how well they will represent our views. It is particularly difficult for me, who worked for my city council on Merseyside when local government was properly funded and gave its residents good, well-managed local services, including public transport and education. There was a saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ but in the so-called name of progress central government has changed many areas, apparently without consultation, that local government had run and managed successfully over many years.

This has affected many local public services, some of which were forced to close, which the public of all ages depended upon, largely through underfunding. Rural areas were particularly affected. Given that the present central administration has created employment problems, which will particularly affect our farming and rural communities, as well as local economy problems in doing so, makes it very difficult to know who to vote for.



Apart from the main three parties, we know that additional political views are entering the fray, but we really do not know how they will perform in the interests of the electorate in their chosen council division locally, and for the public at large. Only time will tell given that many people have been disillusioned with politics in this country. — A.

M. WADDINGTON, Sutton-on-Trent. Cutting down ballot options In their letter last week, A.

Moore paints a very depressing view of local politics, but sadly all evidence points to it probably being true. Unlike that individual, I do not view council meetings, rather getting the greatest hits from the Advertiser or social media. And even those snippets are getting increasingly depressing.

When did politics get so childish? Is it the Donald Trump effect? Whatever the reason, it is time for councillors to grow up and pay the role the respect it deserves. Do councillors genuinely think they are being clever with their back-biting and snide comments? Behaviour more suited to a playground than council chamber. As a result of this depressing state of affairs, I have decided I will not vote for anyone in the upcoming local election — regardless of party — who engages in pathetic baiting on social media.

I just hope there is someone left on the ballot paper come May 1 who can have my vote! — A . CHAMBERS, Newark. Sorry to hear of cafe closure I was very saddened to hear the news that Balmforth coffee shop in Newark town centre has closed down.

As a regular to the cafe, I have always had excellent customer service there and the staff have always been perfectly nice, making a special fuss of my children and we were always made to feel very welcome. It always seemed to be busy in there whenever we have visited, so it’s quite a mystery why they have had to close, but in the meantime, this will be yet another empty unit in Newark’s town centre. Maybe the fabled Nando’s will open in there, or a Wetherspoon, or a Primark.

..who knows? I for one think we have too many coffee shops, vaping stores, nail salons, and charity shops in town so would like to see something a little different, maybe something like a young people’s clothing shop.

What I definitely don’t want to see is that lovely unit being turned into flats! — ELIZA YATES, via email. Thank you for hospital care I would like to use this forum to express my gratitude to the staff at Kings Mill Hospital Ward 34. I was in for about four weeks before being transferred to a nursing home to live out the rest of my life.

The staff were amazing and made me feel special all of the time I was in there. Nothing was too much trouble and I was very happy under the circumstances. Too often we hear tales of dissatisfied patients and visitors, but nothing could be further from the truth in my opinion.

Again. From a very satisfied ‘customer’, thank you very very much. — J.

CLARKE, via email..