The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
I have followed the correspondence in your paper concerning the rubbish on our streets and the cyclists on our footpaths.
We in Holbeach have suffered the same problems as the residents of Spalding.
As I have gone around Holbeach, I have seen areas of the town covered in litter.
The worst place is Thomas De Moulton Way.
The car park behind The Chequer’s Hotel is in the most awful state with bags of rubbish thrown in to all corners.
Even though our refuse collection day is Tuesday there are bags of rubbish left out at the High Street exit from the middle of the week onwards allowing them to ripped open and the contents to be spread all over the place.
Also many of the post hung municipal street bins are too small and filled to over flowing so that the contents placed in them spills out causing a health hazard.
As to cyclists, this God given right they seem to think they have use of the footpaths is not only inconsiderate to pedestrians but also dangerous.
I have been threatened with physical violence by one cyclist who, at speed, raced on to the pavement from the road giving me quite a scare as I was unaware of them till they rushed past from behind.
The worst experience I had was of a man cycling along the footpath in the High Street one handed while looking at his phone and texting.
All I got was a shouted “sorry” as he passed on his way.
None of them have any sort of warning instrument such as a bell or horn.
I thought it was still illegal to ride a bike without one, a shouted warning might also be of help.
Cyclists please think of the deaf and infirm.
With regard to the question of cycling and parking on the pavement, may I be allowed to make a couple of points.
Allocation of manpower and resources together with the prioritisation of actions to combat offences is a matter for the police authorities. Should anyone feel that this is not being done properly then I believe the correct course of action is to take up the matter with the local Police and Crime Commissioner.
If, however, the actions of the police in carrying out their duties are restricted due to a curtailment of resources beyond their control, ie. cuts imposed by central government, then I feel it is perfectly permissible to seek the reasons from the local MP.
David Metherell
Holbeach
