New Milton Advertiser 4th Dec 2020

22 · Friday 4th December 2020

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Letters

Write to news@adt.press with your phone number and full address, which can be withheld from publication on request. Letters may be edited. Reader’s photo Sir Desmond tries to point the way, and we need to show our appreciation. As the saying goes, if you can’t say something pleasant… C. Harris, Lymington ment and the Woodland Trust, to plant a tree to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubi- lee, marking her 70th year as monarch. Apparently, the Queen has

Wheelie looking forward to bins SIR – I am delighted with

mans can recognise a “Fahrer mit Hut” even when they’re not wearing one! Name and address supplied Claws out for non-native cat SIR – Reading Peter Whitfield’s letter about goshawks and other predators (Letters 27th November), the one thing that I noticed from his story is that all the animals he named as being killers of small birds are our wildlife, apart from one. The sparrow hawk used to be top of the food chain (not sure if it still is), and if there were plenty of them about it meant there was an abundance of their prey around, includ- ing other birds. Magpies are no different to those such as crows; they, again, kill to feed themselves, as will Mr Brock the badger. Then we come to the animal that is not native to this coun- try and has been allowed to kill or petrify all wildlife it encoun- ters, not for food but for fun – and that is the cat. There should be a law that stops owners having cat flaps, as in parts of Australia. Maybe a licence for each cat in this country. If a person is caught killing a bat they would be fined but these animals get away with it. This, like other non-native plants and animals, should have been kept out of our country before they became a pest. wheelie bins have worked well elsewhere and should be bet- ter, and I am looking forward to using them. Trevor Milchard, New Milton Masks an issue for hearing aids SIR – I think face masks present problems of one sort or another to everyone. But for those wearing hearing aids they are particularly problem- atic as when one removes them the string tends to catch the The attached wheelie bin lids also prevent their lids coming off on windy days and blowing down the street as frequently happens now. The addition of a food waste bin is also welcome, and has also been in use else- where for many years. A separate issue to the suitability of wheelie bins is the frequency of collections. My understanding is that NFDC propose to have bin from each property will vary according to family size and other factors, but past expe- rience indicates the wheelie bin is likely to be at least twice the size of the current plastic bags so is likely to be adequate. There will no doubt be teething issues when the new system is introduced but collections fortnightly. The amount of waste Glad Brown, Ashley Heath

The shocking ‘Milford driver’ SIR – I’m responding to the letter on the VIP Lymington Highway Code (Letters, 27th November). The kind of drivers many of us complain about, my wife and I perhaps unkindly re- fer to as “Milford drivers”. (To all of those drivers in Milford who doubtless are excellent, this isn’t you!) It is typified by driving slow- ly. Okay in itself perhaps, but then they speed up when going downhill and slow still further when going uphill. This clearly reveals a lack of active control of what their car is doing. Another clue to a “Milford driver” is one moving at 35mph out of town (regardless of the circumstances) and that this speed continues, utterly un- changed, when actually enter- ing Lymington’s 30mph zone. Then there is the shocking and dangerous habit of stop- ping completely on a main road to let out someone from a side road (please, do check the real Highway Code). The “Milford driver’s” indica- tors often blink only to record their previous turn, rather than their next one. Switching fluently between main and dipped headlights after dark? No chance. Should we draw a veil over taking up two parking spaces with just one car, or otherwise demonstrating an utter inability to reverse? None of this is evidence of safe, thoughtful or careful driv- ing. It signals people who ei- ther cannot drive skilfully and thoughtfully, or perhaps never have (“and I’m not changing now!”). Other more fluent drivers are entitled to be peeved as well as just a little worried if they find themselves behind one. The problem is certainly more widespread than Milford. In Germany, anyone driving whilst wearing a hat is regard- ed as what I’ve called here a “Milford driver”. Indeed, Ger- tacks, and sometimes by an- imals, many people currently carry their own dustbins out into the street and leave the council plastic bags inside for protection. New Forest District Council’s proposal to introduce wheelie bins. We were first given wheelie bins over 30 years ago at a previous property, and the system worked well there, and also at a further property where we lived later on. Each week the bins were wheeled out to the street – no need to carry bags or dustbins, and more tidy. In this part of New Milton, the rubbish and recycling bags are subject to regular attack from seagulls, who rip the bags open and leave the contents strewn all over the street. Not only is this untidy but also unhygienic. Wheelie bins have lids at- tached which, if kept closed, should prevent this nuisance. Because of the seagull at-

planted more than 1,500 trees around the world, illustrat- ing the importance of nature in tackling climate change. Conversely, councils across the country seem focused on developing more concrete in- frastructure with scant regard to our natural heritage. We are becoming increasingly aware of the value of nature for our biodiversity, as well as the importance of hoovering up carbon. However, since we’ve been confined to our homes, it has become even more obvious just how beneficial all aspects of nature are for aiding good mental health and wellbeing. As a society, it would seem that we are losing the argu- ment with regard to our local planning system, but we need to persevere with the undenia- ble fact that nature is valuable to us all. Fran Cossey, Hordle Time to move parish assembly SIR – Re Brockenhurst council tax (A&T, 27th November): prior to 1894 the electors voted on the future parish rate at the annual vestry meeting. On the formation of the parish council this became the annual parish assembly. Past records note acceptance of extra for street lighting but rejection for rubbish collection provision. The assembly meeting in April is after the rate has been fixed and collection started before electors can voice their acceptance. Move the assembly to January or February to obtain electors’ views on what they are expected to pay. Inform them of the amount an extra £1,000 council expenditure will have on their property bands. They might even agree with the proposal. Moving it could turn a neg- ative meeting of reports into a positive one of intentions for the future. John R. Purkess, Brockenhurst the annual remembrance of the birth of the Christ-Child at this time of year? This wonderful tale will be in our hearts as it has always been, perhaps more so this year. Jesus will be born again in Bethlehem, the star will still shine, and the shepherds will still pay homage. Jesus’s birth is greater than anything this world can ever throw at it. Like Chris- tianity itself, it is a survivor. Nothing and no one will ever place a restriction on that! The Christmas story will be normal! Gerwyn Davies (lay preacher, Walkford United Reformed Church

No thanks to Sir Desmond

SIR – I totally agree with your letter titled ‘Who will rid us of this MP?’ (Letters, 13th November). I have emailed Sir Desmond Swayne over the period of the Covid pandemic on various topics. The replies are usually: “Thanks. Your views are duly noted DS.” He has never given me an answer to any of the questions. I think now, after being our MP for 23 years, he’s taken the constituents of New Forest West for granted. At the next general election, perhaps he should not stand, or be dese- lected and make way for some- body young with clear mind. Tree removal will spoil area SIR – My interest was aroused after reading that Hayden’s Arboricultural Consultants has applied on behalf of Belco Holdings Ltd to fell 17 pro- tected mature trees in Lower Pennington Lane (A&T, 27th November). As many readers are aware, this pretty lane is situated within very close proximity to Oakhaven Hospice, providing a peaceful rural aspect which will certainly be spoilt by enlarge- ment for increasing traffic, as a result of New Forest District Council’s Site 6 in the Local Plan to build 100 new houses. Disturbingly, these protected trees under consideration in- clude eight Monterey pines, six Monterey cypress, an English oak, elm and horse chestnut which, by their definition, are valuable assets to our natural world. In complete contrast to this dreadful news, we hear that people across the UK are going to be encouraged by a char- ity known as Cool Earth, in partnership with the govern- Kelvin Witt, New Milton

Fishing net repairs at Lymington quay, spotted by Roy Robberts. Please send your photos to news@adt.press

bin around, even if they had reasonable access. If council workers have to locate each bin and take it to their vehicle, this will take them longer and presumably cost us all more. I know of no evidence that the use of wheelie bins auto- matically improves the amount of recycling. If the council wants us to recycle more items (food trays, yogurt pots, metal items and so on), this can surely be arranged using the current bags. Also, a wheelie bin costs about £40 I believe, and is made from a lot of plastic. They are not everlasting and I doubt, compared with bags, overall plastic use would be much less. Brian Curwain, Lymington Thanks to Sir Desmond SIR – I was glad see the letter from Ian Davis (Letters, 27th November). It is high time that people thanked our MP for what he does and tries to do. I am sick of the nasty comments. We don’t always agree but The government wants to make it possible for some family interaction over the holiday, but we are constantly being warned that it will not be a ‘normal’ Christmas. What that means is that there will be less time to buy presents, no large group par- ties, and fewer festive gather- ings. Yet many of the festive trimmings will still be evident: decorations, Christmas music, Christmas dinners, and there will be presents. But I wonder if, without some of the greater excesses of Christmas this year, there may be more time for thought

nington has been forced to close but the youth workers are doing outreach by walk- ing around Lymington and Pennington communicating with young people in the places young people choose to meet. Youth work is a powerful support for our young people and youth workers bridge the gaps in understanding between the local community and young people, and highlight issues affecting young people and act as advocates for them. So, Lorraine, let’s think twice before we judge them. Martina Humber, Chair of Pennington Com- munity Action Group, Youth Project, Pennington Wheelie bins a rubbish idea SIR – I note the correspond- ence regarding the possible introduction of wheelie bins by the New Forest District Council. I live in Lymington, a Geor- gian town with a significant number of terraced houses, many without garages or off- road parking; quite a few of which are listed buildings. The compulsory introduction of wheelie bins would mean that many of them would be left in the street permanently. I have seen this in Surrey, where I have friends. The bins litter the tiny front gardens and often the pavements, where there are no gardens. This looks unsightly and is a significant hazard, for instance, to wheelchair users. How will residents of these places man- age? Some terraced houses do not have separate access to their rear courtyard, and to get them off the street it would be neces- sary to wheel the bin through the house, maybe up front steps – clearly impossible. At the very least, households must have a choice between bins and refuse sacks. Also, we have many very elderly residents who would be unable to move a large, loaded

hearing aid and sometimes removes it. This happened to me last Monday when, after shopping at Superdrug, I removed my face mask and did not realise it had caught my hearing aid and deposited it on the pavement. My eternal thanks to the eagle-eyed pedestrian who spotted it and handed it in to one of the staff at HSBC from where I was able to retrieve it. Tony Elliott, Lymington Chocolate in Betty’s memory SIR – I didn’t know Betty Clarke (A&T death notice, 27th November) but I applaud her family’s decision to request people donate a child’s choc- olate advent calendar to their local food bank. I do hope that many children in our area whose parents can’t afford such luxuries will be enjoying this treat in memory of Betty. Pam Tull, Brockenhurst Think before judging youth SIR – Last week Lorraine Chandler criticised young peo- ple for buying bottles of coke (Letters, 27th November). They might have a parent or carer who is shielding and had a diabetic ‘hypo’ so needed a sugary drink. Young people do things like this for others and around 700,000 children and young people are carers (source: BBC). This is a difficult time for young people and cannot be easy for them. When they are old and grey and their grand- children ask them what they did in the pandemic in 2020, they will be able to say they washed their hands, kept their distance, and stayed safe to protect their relatives and grandparents. Many youth activities are closed. The youth club at Woodside Pavilion in Pen-

Christian Comment FINALLY, we emerge from Lockdown 2 and already rush towards Christmas. about the real ‘normal’ Christ- mas: the story which is re- membered every year at this time and has never changed in over 2,000 years.

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Oh yes, there have been some embellishments to the Biblical account, but what great tale hasn’t grown over time? The basic events which this story relates are as important to the world now as they have ever been. And nothing has made them any less significant. In 1914 a war stopped for a day because of it and enemies were briefly at peace. Nothing else has been that powerful. So, is it likely that a mere virus, the days of which are already numbered, could stop

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