Recent words from Cllr O’Boyle rather typifies the decision making process in Coventry. In a story relating to the project to move the Coventry Cross he said: “He did not want to get into a debate with ‘unelected and self-appointed’ spokespeople for the citizens of Coventry.” He goes onto say: “…the relocation will go ahead regardless of the public views. I believe we can get the planning decision in September…”
When he chooses to ignore the perfectly sensible comment from not only the designer of the Cross, but also the city’s Civic Society, he risks riding roughshod over any democratic rights we have. Time and again local people have put forward positive and constructive comment to help steer our city to a better future. To no avail.
In respect of the Cross he insists on spending ratepayer’s money to satisfy the wishes of a restaurant operator who wants to spill out its catering operation onto the open space next to Holy Trinity Church. Once again we see anything to satisfy a multi-national operator as a done deal and not available for scrutiny.
He is advised by the professional sculptor of the Cross, that Cllr O’Boyle’s preferred new location, Ironmonger Square, is an inappropriate site. The argument is perfectly logical. But where is the debate? It sounds like dictatorship, dare I say. And spending your money and my money into the bargain.
Keith Draper
Coventry Society
When Finham Park 2 applied to become a new free school, other schools in the area warned that this would affect their viability. Since then two schools with a proud history of serving Coventry children no longer operate: Woodlands School and Tile Hill Wood School.
Finham Park 2’s application included a letter of support from the then Cabinet Member for Education who signed the letter using his honorary degree title : Dr David Kershaw.
Do the local Labour politicians feel any responsibility for the loss of the only single sex schools in Coventry?
Paul Graham
Blake Close
Nuneaton
I welcome the new legislation to protect emergency service staff from violence.
The maximum sentence for attacking police, prison officers, firefighters and paramedics is to increase from six months to 12.
These brave men and women risk their own lives to help others, often in very trying circumstances which would upset many people, and we should all be grateful.
It is appalling that they should face violence of any kind.
I hope that your many readers will support them in any practicable way they can.
Coun Marcus Lapsa
Westwood ward
Coventry City Council
The news that only two out of 53 European countries are more overweight than Britain is a wake up call screaming at us to find more achievable ways to move more.
It can be difficult to keep active, especially for those with office jobs, but inactivity is making people unhealthy and unhappy.
Even a short, brisk walk can have fantastic mental and physical health benefits, helping to prevent long-term chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression. Direct NHS savings from an increase in urban walking and cycling have been estimated at £17bn over 20 years. What’s more, it is incredibly easy to fit into a day – on the commute, the school run, or a trip to the shops.
This isn’t just about improving our current situation; it’s about safeguarding the future of our children. One in five boys and one in six girls of primary school-age are classed as physically inactive, and one in three children leaves primary school either overweight or obese.
Swapping the school run for a school walk helps build more exercise into a child’s day and ensures they develop healthy habits for life.
Earlier this year, Public Health England had to add a ‘severely obese’ category to its measurements of children aged four and five, and children aged 10 and 11. This should be enough to tell us that inaction can’t continue.
Tanya Braun
Living Streets
