We need car park back

Having read the recent article concerning the closure of the multi-storey car park, I have to say I agree with those who think it should remain in use as such.

Car parking in Lowestoft is in short supply as it is and there always seem to be more vehicles than spaces available.

I disagree that there was thought to be a lack of demand for the facility as I walk past it on an almost daily basis and the ground floor of it is nearly always full.

Whilst it would be good to have the building in use, I do not think a cinema would be needed as we have two already in Lowestoft, nor do I think 'something for the tourists' would be able to be considered unless adequate parking for the venue could be provided. On which point we seem to have come full circle.

JACQUELYN ALLSOP

Raglan Street

Lowestoft

How much would repair cost?

I think demolishing the car park is extremely shortsighted as it will reduce any chances of rejuvenating the High Street. I would like to know the real reason for the proposed demolition, what is the cost of demolition versus repair?

When questioned about car parking in town the Labour candidate for Waveney said the answer is out of town Park and Ride with an electric bus. Very amusing!

GRAHAM JARRETT

Email

We can lead in Waveney

Understandably Waveney Constituents will still be unsettled with the national result as we all are still waiting to hear just how a new Government will be formed. Please may I extend my thanks to all our constituents for their contribution.

We congratulate Peter Aldous re elected to serve Waveney as I too extend well wishes to all Waveney candidates as we now resume our former duties, mine continuing with the team on the new Lowestoft Council.

Whilst I too am fully aware of the uncertainty we all find ourselves in, I will still continue to offer the much needed encouragement to all as the opportunity we have here in Waveney far outweighs the 'doom and gloom' and I have no doubt constituents really want to move on forward.

Effective, engaging leadership is vital and requires us all to play our part to best serve Waveney to which I do look forward to contributing to ensure all will benefit fairly.

There is much more work to do, Waveney families we can lead!

Looking forward to keeping in touch with all.

Yours faithfully and proud to have served Waveney in the parliamentary election as your Independent candidate.

ALLYSON BARRON

Oulton Broad

Why should they skip queue?

Along with some twenty or so people on Monday, June 5, at lunchtime we were waiting our turn to be served by two very efficient ladies behind the Post Office grill at a branch within messrs WH Smith, in a busy market town on the Suffolk, Norfolk border.

The mood of those at the head of queue was distinctly angered by a customer requiring 'Travel Money' - who went straight to an un-occupied Post Office window – to be served almost immediately.

After some not so pleasant muttering, we enquired with the Post Office representatives behind the counter - about the practice of certain services (within the Post Office) being more important than others?

To what we were informed that it is (apparently) the policy of messrs Post Office Counters Ltd to allow certain services being promoted by the Post Office – to take precedence over other more mundane transactions that people – who have been waiting for some considerable period of time to be served.

Of course I am not blaming the staff at the Post Office for this experience. I am pointing the finger of approbation at the senior management who have created a 'two-tier' customer system. Making those who patiently wait for 'their' turn to feel like second class citizens when somebody can walk up to an un-staffed window, and be attended-to almost at once – while other people in the queue have to wait even longer to be served as a consequence!

Indeed, I asked where the information about this preferential treatment for 'Travel Money' customers was displayed within the Post Office. I received a blank look, with no information forthcoming - not satisfactory!!

A suitably expeditious response from senior management of Post Office Counters Ltd would be in order.

JIM MITCHELL

Email

Being MP is an honour

It's a great honour to have been re-elected as Waveney's MP.

I would like to thank all those who contributed so much in the General Election locally; the returning officer and the team of volunteers at the count and at the polling stations, the police, all the other candidates and their and my own teams.

Moving forward, I'll ensure that Waveney's voice is heard in Westminster. I'll promote Waveney as a great place to do business, work to ensure that the third crossing and other important transport and infrastructure projects are completed on time, campaign to ensure that Brexit benefits the area and work with the NHS, schools, colleges, the councils and the police to deliver high quality local public services.

PETER ALDOUS

Waveney MP

Remarkable musical talent

Last weekend I had the rich privilege of attending concerts by two local groups of singers whose performances gave evidence of the remarkable musical talent that we have in this area.

The concert by Pakefield Singers in St Peter's and St John's, Kirkley, on Saturday was a celebration of music with a sacred theme, which ranged from excerpts from Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah, to Howard Goodall's theme from the Vicar of Dibley. Singing in Russian, Latin and French as well as in English, the choir, conducted by Vetta Wise, conveyed the tone and style of each piece in a way that showed the care and preparation which goes into every concert given by this group. There are some lovely voices among the singers, including soloists Chris Upton and David Ludlow. Terry Cunnane's piano solos, as well as his intelligent accompaniment, added to the enjoyment of this summer evening.

Sunday's concert by Lowestoft Choral Society was a commemoration of the society's seventieth anniversary and seventy years since the establishment of Minsmere bird reserve. Held in the beautiful surroundings of Our Lady Star of the Sea RC church and conducted by Jenny Baker, the voices of the choir soared to the heights of the church with a gorgeous sound and admirable ensemble both in the well-loved pieces from Mozart to modern, chosen to reflect their repertoire over the years, and in music celebrating British birds and the folk song tradition. They were ably supported by the small orchestra and David Baker's organ solos showed the magnificence of the church's organ. I hope the resident kittiwakes enjoyed the evening as much as I did!

SHIRLEY SMITH

Gorse Lane

Reydon

Show support at annual event

On Saturday, June 24, the local branch of the RAF Association will be attending the Armed Forces Day event on Royal Plain, Lowestoft.

This national event which is celebrated throughout the UK is a chance for all to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community and place themselves in harms way to protect the nation.

It is also an excellent opportunity for children to expand their knowledge of the various groups of service personnel who protect them and their friends throughout the year. The event is open to the public at 10am and comprises members of all three services, military equipment, ex-service associations and band music with the veteran's parade and drumhead service taking place at noon.

Please come and support the veterans and serving personnel and their families.

BRIAN VOUSDEN

President,

RAF Association (RAFA)

Beccles and Southwold

Helping animals in need

June 12 to 18 is RSPCA Week, when we celebrate 193 years of helping animals most in need.

This year is particularly special as it marks 10 years since the Animal Welfare Act came into force and our 160 branches will be marking this milestone with some of their own achievements.

Since this landmark law was passed, the RSPCA has helped more than 3.6million animals across England and Wales and during that same period, branches across England and Wales have rehomed more than 444,000 animals, microchipped more than 335,000 animals, neutered more than 480,000 and helped towards more than 891,000 vet treatments for poorly animals whose owners were struggling to meet the costs.

Our branches do an amazing job, whether it's fundraising, helping poorly animals through our clinics or finding homes for those animals who have often been through the most appalling neglect and abuse.

All of this is possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers and generous donations from local people. This RSPCA Week, I want to take the opportunity to thank them.

Last year there were nearly 150,000 complaints of cruelty across England and Wales which shows there is still a real need for the work we do. To find out more about your local RSPCA branch and what you can do to support us, visit rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/whoweare/branches

JEREMY COOPER

CEO RSPCA