Road mess

ANDREW Poole should be congratulated in linking the ring road mess with the apparent reluctance of large companies to invest in Salisbury’s built environment. Ever since moving to Salisbury a few years ago I have noticed a complete contrast between the state of the ring road and state of other roads in Salisbury.

The reason for the difference is that the ring road is a major A road coming under the control of Highways England and other roads are under the control of Wiltshire Council. The former had a budget for highway cleansing but this has been slashed to a level where I understand they will only deal with visual defects that might be safety-related. The latter has a budget for street cleansing which deals with the street eyesores in the city. The operatives engaged in this work do an admirable job, particularly on drainage channels where neglect can cause many problems.

What a pity that Highways England does not appear to consult Wiltshire Council when setting policies and budgets. Current arrangements are such that the good that is done by Wiltshire Council on the city roads is undermined by Highways England’s almost total neglect of the visual appearance of the A36. I wonder whether they have heard of joined-up thinking?

Howard Norman, Salisbury

 

Dual A303

SO, we hear what many of us have long understood – a tunnel under Stonehenge for the A303 will NOT provide value for money.

What is patently obvious, however, is that the hold-ups presently caused by the single carriageway past Stonehenge need to be remedied. Year by year the cost of these delays escalates and when added together are immense. Not just financially, but by the increase of carbon emissions into the atmosphere and the impact of jam-avoiding motorists upon the surrounding villages.

Is it not time that the cheapest and most direct solution to the problem was taken? Ignore English Heritage and those that say that dualling the road on the existing line past Stonehenge would spoil the view and impact on possibly still hidden archaeological remains.

History is important but should not be put before the living and our future. Think of what the savings would be in construction and future environmental costs would be and how that money could be used on those living and in need.

As a footnote it occurs to me that if Telford had as may obstacles put into his Western rail link we might still have no station in Salisbury, or elsewhere, for that matter.

Brian Ford, Salisbury

 

GP is great

IF there were an award in Salisbury for the best GP then my vote would go to Dr Rault of Harcourt Medical Centre. Dr Rault has a first-class bedside manner, is diligent, caring and exceptionally hard working. I know that he visits patients at home (in his own time at the weekend) and even takes an interest in the welfare of other family members, such as carers, who may not even be his patients.

I am not at all surprised that Harcourt Medical Centre won an award in a recent GP patient survey and scored highly with 98 per cent.

Some medical professionals enter the world of medicine for kudos or financial reward. With Dr Rault, however, it is abundantly clear that he has a genuine vocation and his patients, and all who encounter him, are exceptionally well served.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

 

No to sign

THANK you Atiqul Hoque for speaking out against placing a McDonald’s sign on the A36.

McDonald’s is a hugely successful global brand and of course many people enjoy eating in the local fast food outlet but do we need a sign advertising the brand? No, we do not.

There is enough rubbish along the A36 which most of us would love to see removed. Tourists to this very beautiful city would be amazed to see a McDonald’s sign before seeing the cathedral.

Elizabeth Sirman, Salisbury

 

Super staff

I WAS admitted to A&E last week and had every care and attention possible. After tests I was sent to Whiteparish ward and then Tisbury. Both the nursing staff and doctors there were so caring and professional. I couldn`t have been better looked after and was very impressed by their consideration, kindness and care. How fortunate we are to have such an exceptional hospital in Salisbury. Thank you so much to all the staff.

Jan Robinson, Broad Chalke

 

It’s free entry

IN the email from my acquaintance he stated that the cathedral charges for entry; this is incorrect. The cathedral asks for a voluntary donation, but those who decline or are unable to pay are free to enter. Our wonderful cathedral receives no money from the government and only has the money that visitors give to sustain it.

I stand corrected and I will let my acquaintance from North Wiltshire know.

Mark Duly, Salisbury

 

The high life

LIKE Richard Seal, I too have memories of the intrepid people who climb the Cathedral Spire to change the bulbs at the very top (Postbag, March 23). In particular I remember a Journal interview with the then clerk. He said he had a small but sufficient group of volunteers who accompanied him to the very top.

None ever volunteered twice!

Robert Steel, Salisbury

 

Why the fuss?

WHEN I read in the Journal this week that Zizzi had painted its building green, I was horrified. However, I walked past the restaurant today (March 24) and it is the same rather tasteful blue/grey it has been since Zizzi took over the building, certainly a more pleasant and elegant-looking frontage than many in the vicinity.

What is the fuss about? The fact they didn’t ask permission? Zizzi has done that end of town a service, in my opinion.

Moira Johns, Salisbury

 

No statue here

TELL Sally Taylor (BBC South Today, March 23) that Salisbury does not want or need Terry Pratchett statues. There is no planning application and the public have not been consulted.

Contrived nonsense...as are the books he wrote. Put the statue in Broad Chalke, where he lived, if they want it! It will still need planning permission.

Pratchett has no relevance in Salisbury. Dreadful nonsense!

Eric G Hart, Salisbury