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Defending refugees

WE consider Des Morgan to be amongst the most eloquent of contributors to the letters page of the Swindon Advertiser, but his most recent (Fears Not Racist) 29 October, was more akin to the editorial column of The Sun, Mail and Express.

After reading the letter we decided there were parts of it that we felt needed a response, first of all, although we visit and donate to The Harbour Project, neither of us work there.

Des labels those who were living in the Calais camp “migrants”; as they come from Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan and Iraq and are fleeing war and persecution, this makes them refugees.

Des says France is an open and tolerant society. Muslim women who are told what they can and can’t wear would think differently, and regarding France being a leading member of NATO, it’s NATO that has caused so much of the destruction and devastation that has led to the biggest humanitarian crisis the world has ever witnessed.

In his fourth paragraph Des writes “That the young men who have recently arrived from the camp show no sign of being malnourished, unkempt and in no need of medical attention.”

For that Des we must thank the many aid agencies, medics, charity groups and volunteers including the Swindon-Calais Group who have made many trips to the camp, all of whom have taken food, medicines, clothes and toys.

Who is the London-based politician you say described the UK as being the most racist, and the UK government as the most racist in 40 years?

Des finishes his letter by saying “Gary Lineker is entitled to his view although I suspect many wish he would keep them for Match of The Day”.

I’m sure you’re correct Des, but there are also many across the UK who are pleased that people of a high profile like Gary Lineker and Lily Allen speak in support of the refugees who were in the Calais camp.

MARK AND MARTIN WEBB

Old Town

Swindon

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Immigration problem

Re Miss Gill Harris’ column regarding immigrants wanting to come to England.

First she didn’t tell us how many of them she is going to house in her home, nor say where she knows where the rest are going to live. That is the main problem most of us are concerned about.

Regarding the ones allowed in here, it’s good that they are all going to be screened properly, the young men that have forced their often violent way to get here have not set a very good example of how they might behave if they don’t get everything they want when here.

And why are so many thousands of unaccompanied children left in Calais? Either they have very uncaring parents or this is a clever ruse to try to get here to be with them when they have been accepted.

It’s a big sad problem and not as easy as some people think to be solved quickly.

J LAWRENCE

Swindon

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Thought for others

WHEN does “Fireworks Night” start? Is it October 28 or November 5? Last Friday after 9.30 in the evening we were startled when explosions of fireworks were let off near our house.

I know that I am not alone in wanting shops to be banned from selling fireworks until one or two days before the event.

Years ago family fireworks in a garden were mainly Catherine wheels, Roman candles, soft bangers and a few rockets. Nowadays, unless you can make the tiles rattle people are not satisfied and every year they get louder.

I am not a killjoy but they should be kept to displays not in urban gardens. It is not only animals, wild or domestic that come under stress but elderly folk, especially those on their own when sudden explosions happen near their windows.

Respect is a dirty word to many nowadays, for as long as everything is going their way they could not care less about others. We see drivers showing no respect to speed limits even in urban areas, even when children are about, using their mobiles, seeing people dropping litter, takeaway wrappings as they walk with a bin just yards in front of them. One only has to see hedgerows and gutters where rubbish is thrown. “Somebody can clean it up”!

Along with my age group I was always taught “Clean it up or you will be in trouble”. Our lives would be much better today if people just had a bit of thought for others!

JH OLIVER

Brooklands Avenue

Swindon,

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Objections please

MOST residents of Purton are probably aware of an application by Hills Homes Development Ltd. to build 26 dwellings on land off Pavenhill (behind The Old Greyhound) but I understand that the latest amendment might reduce the number to 25.

There have been several opportunities to discuss and forward objections to this undesirable development, main concerns being the narrow and dangerous route through Pavenhill where there is no option to widen the road.

Another concern is the additional parking and drainage required, areas which are already inadequate.

Our unitary councillor Jacqui Laye has effected a “call in” to the plans, which means that the planning application will now be discussed at a meeting of the Northern Area Planning Committee on November 8, after which, at his discretion, the officer might make a decision.

If you have any concerns please send your objections in before November 8. If you have previously objected it is apparently necessary to repeat – email developmentmanagement@wiltshire.gov.uk or postal address Development Services, Monkton Park, Chippenham, Wilts SN15 1ER.

EDNA BUNCE

Pavenhill

Purton