Wirral News Letters – April 28

Apr 28 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Signs must keep us informed

IT is to be hoped that during the forthcoming scheduled closures of the Bidston Moss viaduct the traffic controllers keep the electric traffic information signs up-to-date.

On the night of April 6 I was returning to Wallasey from Liverpool at about 10pm.

Leaving the tunnel I proceeded along the cutting towards the viaduct.

The electric sign in the cutting informed me that at M53 Junction 4 (Clatterbridge) there was no access to Brimstage Road”.

There was no mention that the M53 was closed less than a mile ahead with all traffic having to descend the slip road to the island and then rejoin the motorway by way of the other slip road.

As I was going to Wallasey, it did not cause me any inconvenience but it would have been very confusing to a stranger.

Whilst on the subject of these signs, can anybody tell me the object of the two at the promenade end of Bayswater Road? Apart from exhorting me not to phone or drink when driving and to wear my seat belt they rarely give any traffic information except when the Egg Run is coming up.

On more than one occasion I have found the promenade closed by the police due to seas breaking over and these two signs dark.

GEOFF HOLMES

Wallasey

It’s no eyesore

I REFER to Martin Mathieson's letter in the News of April 14 and strongly disagree with his views that Mayer Hall is “a positive eyesore”.

Although not a Bebington resident myself, on those occasions when I visit the village I always think that Mayer Hall and its surrounding area are a pleasant feature, certainly not devoid of interest.

It is landmark buildings such as Mayer Hall which lend some character and individuality to otherwise relatively featureless areas.

Yes, it is unfortunate that it is shuttered and covered with graffiti at the rear, but this is no reason to condemn it either literally or metaphorically.

We have regrettably already lost too many buildings which would have greatly enhanced the street scene of our towns and villages.

Lest I be accused of “nostalgic hankering”, I would point out that I am an ardent 61-year-old fan of well-designed modern buildings, and there is no reason why the old and the new cannot co-exist happily together.

Let us not forget that many relatively new buildings such as the civic centre have had, or will have to have, not inconsiderable sums of money spent on their upkeep.

RUTH HENSHAW

Thingwall

Taking pride

WHILST Martin Mathieson raises some, arguably, agreeable points in his comments concerning Bebington's conservation status, namely “nostalgic hankering” and a “1930s village atmosphere”, I would take issue with his general opinion.

Firstly, Mayer Hall was built in 1878 by Joseph Mayer, an established goldsmith and jeweller who transformed Bebington from a country village into the thriving community you may probably recognise now.

The Hall has acted as a public library, a museum and a community meeting place.

Joseph Mayer is remembered in the Mayer Trust which was set up after his death and still hosts a highly successful series of lectures. The Mayer name is also remembered in the Mayer Hall Bebington Trust, a registered charity and the Mayer Hall User Group who are desperate to raise funding to conserve, protect and secure this historical building for future generations.

Secondly, I think we should be congratulating Wirral Council, and Councillor Williams, our Heritage Champion, for pursuing conservation issues.

Thirdly, I agree that we cannot and do not wish to return to a 1930's atmosphere, but merely wish to protect and preserve Wirral's historic environment, not only to reduce future carbon emissions in not demolishing them but also to enthuse and educate our younger generation into studying history, raising awareness of heritage and encouraging them to participate in local community projects which fosters pride in their area. PS. I am under 50!

HEATHER BUTLER

Local history tutor, via e-mail

Slow progress

SOME people may feel that introducing 20mph speed limits is controversial.

There are however many residents on Wirral who are in favour of seeing 20mph speed limits introduced; close to schools and in residential estate roads, because of the fear that many motorists cause them by their excessive speed and their lack of respect for pedestrians.

Many families are concerned about their children’s safety.

Elderly people are scared to cross some roads.

Which roads do you think should become 20 mph? Should roads with a high density of shops be made 20 mph too?

IAN GILMOUR

via e-mail

l What do you think? E-mail newsdesk@wirralnews.co.uk

Eco-friendly

I AM writing to voice my respect for Sam Johnson for planning to put up a wind turbine on his farm (“Storm brewing over wind turbine plans for Heswall farm”, April 7).

I hear too often of these petitions which are opposed to wind turbines/farms on aesthetic grounds.

While it may be attractive for some, I feel this concern is far less important than the environmental and economical benefits to investing in sustainable energy.

Also, to me the sight of a wind turbine is beautiful as it shows that not all of us are sleepwalking into a catastrophic future.

DANIEL

Heswall

Super stores

I COULD not agree more with Suzanne that Birkenhead needs an Asda (Letters, April 7).

I can assure her that the same people who have voiced opposition against Asda will be the same ones who will be found shopping there if and when an Asda arrives.

Those people cannot see further than their own noses.

They fail to see that in a few years’ time, all supermarkets will be the mainstay of any community.

This is because there is the need for the service and quite important too is the fact that the majority of the population own a car and would not think twice to travel to one shop which provides so many diverse options. All in all, the corner shop has met its Waterloo!

Looking back to the 50s when the first supermarket opened, they were perceived as a godsend.

Now, the tail is surely wagging the dog and no-one can stop it.

SHAUN

via e-mail