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Your say online, September
SEPTEMBER: This is the place for users of Hemeltoday to have their say online.
Have your say on local news, local issues or the national issues.
Have a moan or say thanks. Click below to have a say and scroll down to see the views of others:
Simon Taylor
Chaulden Lane, Hemel Hempstead
After a lovely week on holiday in Menorca we flew back (friday 26th) into Luton Airport. Now correct me if I'm wrong but I was under the impression that this Airport has just had a complete state of the art refit. Upon arrival I could not beleive what I was witnessing. 4 planes had landed within about half an hour of each other. As we started heading down the corridor to passport control, we suddenly came to a halt. We stood waiting and waiting and waiting. Eventually the queue started moving into a room what really could only resemble a cattle auction. 700 people crammed into a room with only 9 passport desks fitted. To make this worse 6 of them were closed and 1 of the desks had a trainee. After an hour of carrying my 18 month baby girl and 2 bags an extemely rude member of staff said "Any families with babys can make their way down this aisle. only 1 parent per child though". By now our cases had already done 15 laps of the conveyor belt. My partner then had to get the cases whilst holding our little'n because the buggies come off in an entirely different place. an absolute joke. I came through 40 minutes later mothers furious, fathers annoyed and babys hot bothered and fed up. Then to make things worse you have to PAY for a trolley now. This can only happen in this country. They should have a sign saying, "WELCOME TO LUTON AIRPORT, GUARANTEED TO GIVE YOU THE HUMP IN 1 HOUR!!". The designers of this shambolic (state of the art) effort should never work again. God help us if they're designing the Olympics.
Debi Game
Friars Walk
Tring
I was appalled to note the both the personal and hectoring tone of the letters printed in The Gazette of 10 September, in response to the Chamber of Commerce position on Tring parking.
The Chamber is made up of local business who give their time free to promote the interests of businesses in the area and work toward trying to make Tring the kind of place we all want to live. The Chairman, has worked tirelessly for a number years for the good of this town and has not only been Chair of the Chamber but has been instrumental in the success of the Tring Together Initiative and The Tring Festival. These roles are entirely voluntary (Mr Hollinghurst and Mr Allan please note), largely thankless and she has juggled them with raising a young family and, until recently, running her own business.
It is unforgivable that the Liberal Democrats have used the Chamber and it's members as a political whipping boy to detract attention away from their own shortcomings. I could write a list, but let me use as point of reference the closure of the Tring Recycling Centre – how convenient for the Lib Dems is the timing of this debate over parking – what a brilliant act of smoke and mirrors!
Tring needs an active and vibrant Chamber of Commerce, and we need people like Mel Matthews who give up their time for us and our Town. The nature and tone that this debate is taking could well stop people wanting to become involved in our Town – and that really would be it's death knell.
To Mr Hollinghurst and Mr Allan I would say you should know better, Tring is not the place for cheap political pot shots. To Mr Copas I would say that it is very easy to criticise from the comfort of ones armchair, if you cannot be constructive I suggest you keep your comments to yourself.
Anon
The Lawns, Hemel
i live in a cul de sac. D.B.C. NEVER EVER return the bins after collection they are left strewn over the car park instead
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Rosemary
Kings Langley
i am appalled at what i have just read in your article: "mum died after hospital stay." as a carer working for for an agency i used to go in regularly to mrs stanbridge sometimes 3 times a day. we as team of carers looked after her care needs to the best of our ability . Im so sad angry that herwonderful life ended this way. I also used to live down the road from her and will think of her every time i pass her cottage.
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KATE RANCE
DATCHWORTH TURN
BUNCEFIELDS ALARM. My house was also damaged in the explosion. My Springer spaniel dog is still suffering now. She is still very nervous, scared of load noises. Wets herself at the slightest bang or crash. I can definatly comfirm that we heard the buncefield siren, we live in Datchworth turn on the same road as wellbury terrace.
Elaine Elsepe
Wigginton Near Tring
I have just flicked through the Hertfordshire Horizon magazine which is a magazine published by Hertfordshire County Council. I was amazed on page 5 to read an article regarding recycling, the title being 'Plans to cut landfill waste'. Apparently the County Council want to promote greater recycling and composting and are considering new locations for facilities in Hertfordshire. I am confused, haven't they just agreed to close down the amazingly successful Tring Household Recycling Centre in April 09. So how can they now say they want to promote more recycling?
JL from Berkhamsted
Via text
Buncefield sirens - they have decided to install lower specification performance sirens to ensure that terminal safety is met AND NOTHING MORE. They need to install Cold War era 4 minute warning siren, whose tested wail COULD carry upto 12 miles in the prevailing wind direction ! They can purchase such from Klaxon Signals, according to their website. Would it not be wiser to invest in such, than deal with future insurance payouts. These sirens are still operational around Broadmoor in Berkshire, so would not pose any problem to install & run outside terminal boundaries. That is IF the oil giants have any real interest in the local community concerns?
Eileen Heylin
Hemel Hempstead
Just wanted to say well done and thank you for the new What's On section. (See the What's On section here)
We have so needed a list of what is going on in the town not only because it is useful (folk are always saying there's nothing to do in this town!) but also because it encourages community spirit and action -something we badly need. Thank you.
Pauline WorrellI live on Woodhall Farm and suffered some damage to my home in the buncefield explosion, so I was interested to hear about the alarm.
However it could only be heard in the distance if you stood outside and really listened out for it. I could not hear it at all from inside my house and certainly do not think it would be heard in a noisy classroom or even if you had the TV on or music playing. Clearly it is not adequate and I would be anxious about the storing of aviation fuel at the depot.
John Copas
Station Road
Tringre Tring Free Parking
Whether or not Tring Chamber voted to do away with free parking in is neither here nor there (although Ms Mathews chose not to challenge earlier press reports on the subject). If she really cares about Tring's shoppers her organisation should be campaigning to increase the free period - not surrender to a 'decision' that has not yet been made. They have now handed DBC a prime negotiating point as they are able to say to Tring Council that "even your own Chamber of Commerce is in favour of its demise". I return to my earlier letter and suspect even more strongly that there is a hidden agenda. Is the chamber's chairman being 'economical with the truth"? Is the balance of power in that committee such that cheap long stay parking is more important to them than we shoppers? I wait to hear.
James
Hemel Hempstead
The Buncefield alarm is indeed very feeble. The building where I work is right next to the Buncefield site and was very badly damaged in the explosion. Our safety representative went back in to work on Wednesday evening to listen to it. She did not hear it inside our building 100 yards away, and could barely hear it outside - but not above the noise of a lorry going past! We have got a safety procedure based around this alarm. Doesn't look good! Does BP not want to be associated with wailing sirens or something?
Martin Fox
There is a new game a foot with the Dacorum Traffic Wardens. This how it works you buy a parking ticket from one of their vending machines you place the ticket on your dashboard and you close your car door. This causes a change of pressure in the car hence wind which then blows the ticket that you have just paid for off your dash baord. Along comes our dear friend the traffic warden and when you return you find you have been issued a ticket for failing to display the ticket that you purchased. Now this is how I see things. If Dacorum issues material that is defective to start with then they can not take any action. The other point is when you take them to task they send you a snotty letter with a clear plastic holder for you to place yout parking tickets in. Now why dont they as a good will gesture send out to each house hold 2 plastic holders or change the tickets to have adhesive on the back of them so as to stop the tickets from blowing off the dashboard.
Carys Faichney (Mrs)
Hemel Hempstead
I am writing to support Mr Berkovitch's idea of "salvage" days for the
collection of unwanted items (HeraldExpress 4th September).
This scheme has worked well in Germany for some years and is also
popular in the United States where in many States the last Sunday in the month is the occasion when unwanted items are put out for a limited time by residents for free collection by anyone who may find them useful.
It seems to me to be an easy, efficient means of disposal of items which someone else might need, without the cost of advertising or difficulty of transportation by the owner. DBC's view that items can be taken to car boot sales is hardly a practical proposition for most people given the small number of items involved and the cost of transport. The Furniture Project can occasionally help but are restricted in the types of items they can take.
DBC's objections to the scheme on "fly tipping" grounds are spurious and small minded. Clearly the items remain the property of the owner to be retrieved at the end of the day if not collected.
It goes to show how DBC likes to reject any reasonable initiative
proposed by local people which it feels that it cannot absolutely
control. This is a useful, free service which could help the community
and would prove to be very popular.
Lynne Haywood
Re: Salvage. Fantastic idea. Maybe we could go further and do as they do in Germany, which is to put out all unwanted goods on one weekend in the month. People can rummage, take what they want and that which is left behind is collected and taken away by the authorities. It's a win-win, since one man's rubbish is usually another man's treasure.
Dr Andy Payne
The creature being held by Mrs Grange is an Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar. they are endemic to England and produce a large moth, eventually!
The caterpillars are so named because of their mouth part which they can stretch out much like an elephants trunk.
The caterpillars are very fond of soft leaved plants, for example fuscias.
Emma Lane
In reply to Mrs Grange's plea for help in identifying the strange creatures she found in her garden, I would like to inform you that these are the larva of the Elephant Hawk Moth. They happen to really love fuschias, so keep an eye out for them!
See original story.
Sarah
RE: salvage day.
Further to your front page article in the Sept 4 2008 of HeraldExpress titled as above, there is already such a recycling process such as this going on.
Please look at 'Freecycle' on the web – this is an international organisation whereby e-mail groups are set up for local areas and people can send out a message to everyone in their group publicising what ever their which to dispose of. Items range from rubble, to furniture, to books, to car bits, etc. People could also send out a message for items that they want just on the off chance that someone else wants to get rid of it. They then arrange times and details with regards to collection by either e-mail or phone.
Annette Howlings
CIW Pro.
FIOS
RE: salvage day. I used to live in Germany, and once a month or maybe week (It was a long time ago I lived there) the German people had one day where they could put out any furniture or other things they didn't want, and people could go and help themselves. Later on at night, a lorry would go around, like the binmen and pick up the rest, I presume it would be recycled to projects like 'paradise' or other things. There are people willing, I'm sure, to work at night, (like the binmen in hot countries) and pick things up so we dont end up with rubbish on the streets. The Dacorum furniture project are quite fussy with what they will and wont take. I think Mr Berkovitch's idea is a great one. And who knows, it could save a lot of dumping! After all, one person's junk is another's treasure. Just ask the charity shops!
Guy Patterson
Berkhamsted
EU at Fault? The latest Conservative 'intouch' leaflet draws our attention to the European Union (EU) in more than one respect. 1. They claim that the EU employs 170,000 bureaucrats. This figure can be found on the Open Europe website, and includes not only EU personnel in Brussels, but also the personnel of all the 27 member states who are involved in EU administration. It also includes various executive arms of the EU, such as the European Central Bank, and some large number of advisory and consultative committees. This total number is then compared unfavourably with the 107,000 personnel serving in the British Army. But this is comparing chalk with cheese. The more appropriate comparison is with the British Civil Service which employs 409,000 people, plus several hundred Non Departmental Public Bodies - better known as quangos - and several thousand consultative and advisory committees, not to mention the many Local Authorities who dispense finance from central Government. 2. The figure of 39.3 billion given for our net contribution to the EU is spread over six years, and amounts to about 0.5% of our annual GDP. The UK Government spends about 40% of annual GDP. 3. It is a general hazard for Governments that some accounts are not signed off by auditors, particularly for the EU which has to depend on returns from member states. In 2007 the UK Government had 11 of its accounts qualified, ie not signed off. In the year before it was 22.
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wendy mitchell
hemel hempstead
Is there no where to go in hemel for a female without getting abused. Recently I found myself out at the local night club in jarman park, somewhere I have not visited for many months. I had gone to meet friends there, on my arrival I purchased a bottle of drink, to my amazement the cost was out of this world, i then wondered about from club to club to try and find my friends, I could not, so I went back to the club where the older members of our "tribe" hang out, I then bought another bottle of drink at the price of 3.95, outrageous as it was. I then walked around looking for them again and stood near the dance floor. At that precise time I was yelled at by a male member of the public and accused of stealing his girlfriends drink, of course I denied this but he insisted that I did. I ignored him, but just a few moments later his foot connected with my hand and he kicked the bottle from me onto the floor, I picked it up and continued to tell him that I had just purchased the drink from the bar, he did not believe me and kicked me again knocking the drink from my hand, this led the security men to intervene and we both were pulled aside. When I was questioned about the incident and i put my side of the story to them they did not believe what i had to say. I was told that they could go and view the incident on cctv camera but that he couldnt be bothered and that it would take too long. I would like to see that tape just to prove a point, my guess is it wont exist after tonight. So, warning to all women dont go near men who are too cheap to buy their girlfriends a drink and have to resort to violence. DONT GO TO JARMEN PARK
Mark Devaynes
Woodhall Farm Hemel Hempstead
Local Band UnderView (Winners of Watfords Centre Stage) have entered Onrange Unsigned Act this year!! With a final Prize of 50,000, a Record Contract with Universal Records and 1million of advertising and Promotion! help get them on TV by voting for them at www.orangeunsignedact.co.uk or by following the link on www.myspace.com/underview lets make Music history for Hemel Hempstead!
Jeff
Hemel hempstead
Did anyone hear the Buncefield alarm last night?
Paul Street
Leverstock Green
Hemel Hempstead
With regard to the Buncefield Alarm test, did it happen ? We live in Leverstock Green, and as we sustained substantial damage from the blast, were interested as to what the alarm would sound like. At 7pm we waited outside our house to listen, but heard nothing. There are no buildings between us and Buncefield to dampen the sound, and so reached the conclusion that either the alarm test didnt happen, or is nowhere near loud enough to alert the residents in the surrounding area. Paul Street
Mrs Shelly McClellan
Hemel Hempstead Herts
A full rubbish bag was stolen from my grey wheelie bin outside my residence in July. It was then dumped in a field, the bag was traced back to us and a fixed pentaly notice fine of 75 was issued to us by the council for fly-tipping. The theft from the bin was witnessed by our neighbour. My husband was questioned under caution by the council. My husband informed them that the bag had been stolen and the theft had been witnessed. They thankfully overturned the fine, this has resulted in us padlocking our grey wheelie bin. This could happen to anyone so we wished to inform other residents.
Rachel
Hemel Hempstead
The Paralympics Disgrace!! I have just found out that the Paralympics is going to be starting next week, but it only being shown for 1 hour a day. I personally think that this is disgraceful because they show the olympics 24/7 but their not with the Paralympics. I'm not being funny though everyone has the same right so why are they not showing it on the TV. I am not disabled myself but i watch the Paralympics every year because they are just as good as people that are abled if not better.
SUSAN LANNING
EIGHT ACRES TRING HERTS
TRING PARKING.FREE HOUR,SHOULD BE KEPT AS MORE TURNOVER OF PEOPLE MUST BENIFIT TOWN TRADERS,IF PAY TWO HOURS WILL EITHER GO AWAY OR WORST STAY LONGER KEEPING SPACES FULL.LEAVE THING ALONE PLEASE,
Norman Cutting Berkhamsted
With regard the bins being left on the footway (and concerns by the Berkhamsted Citizen Association about odd vehicles parked on the verge in Gossoms End), it appears to be the normal action of both residents and workers everywhere that the footway can be used for everything apart from walking. Everywhere you find cycles, cars parked and bins abandoned without any concern by the Town Wardens, Support officers or even the Police. Berkhamsted, along with most towns, has a problem with vehicle congestion and just removing parked vehicles from verges and footways would solve the problem in a very short time. After all, it is illegal. But no-one must upset the motorist!!
David Grove, Pitstone
If they stop the first hour free parking in Tring I will shop out of Tring.
Mrs Fink, Grovehill, Hemel Hempstead
I would like to add my voice to those opposed to the dumping of household waste in the street. I don't understand how residents can think it is alright to leave this kind of garbage in our neighbourhood? From time to time we all have bulky items we want to dispose of but there are options available to everyone. A resident can contact the council and have large items removed for a small fee, alternatively you can place a free notice on a community website such as "www.freecycle.org", offer you item and often a grateful recipient will come and take it away for free. Let's start taking pride in our surroundings and set a good example for the young people around us. If they see us dumping our trash in the street and not respecting those around us, they will do the same. Perhaps if we dispose of our rubbish with care and consideration, they may also follow suit. Let's face it, none of us wants to live in a slum, do we?
Rob
WELL Somebody has a serious accident in Midland Road with neck and back injuries. Where do they take them NO not Hemel hospital but Watford. This is a disgrace. I wonder how people will die as a result of having to travel the distance???
Mr Cheeseman, Hemel
I have noted the recent comments about wheelie bins. We always leave our bins tidily at the edge of our property as requested. When they have been emptied, they are left on the pavement, usually causing people to have to walk on the grass or in the road to avoid them. The paper/bottle bins are no better - they are usually thrown back along our drive. It is all very well the council saying that they instruct their operatives to leave the bins where they found them, but I can be quite certain that they NEVER supervise or check what is actually happening.
GP Bennetts End
Driving over the M1 on Monday night, I noticed there is a new Road sign in place giving details as you appproach the Buncefield roundabout (still awaiting the new eyesore to be put in place) the directions are to the right, Ind estate correct, straight on Hospital with accident and emergency do these people know something that we dont know that the hospital is staying.
Chris H, Hemel Hempstead
Telling shops no more free leaflets: What the council probably can't work out is that the "free leaflets" handed out to thousands of customers probably relate to thousands and thousands of pounds in sales! Which, with the stupidy high tax rates, parking charges people pay to buy the goods advertised probably come to much more than a million pounds per year! Just ANOTHER bloody TAX for shop owners Pathetic!!!!
Karina Martin, Watford
Clampers left young driver stranded. This is ridiculous, it is unbelievable! Clampers should be arrested for things like this! They are rude and aggressive to people! Ban Private clampers! They have no right!
Chris Patfield, Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead
Free brochures and sales material make up 90% of my post. Every one of them goes into the recycle bin in the Chaulden shopping area. The tactic is scatter gun and rather outdated now. It costs the companies to produce the material, but I would suggest that these companies could not quantify the return they get for this marketing method, so to stop would save them money. However the deliveries are made by the post office, who rely on this as an important source of income. What would be the result for the Post Office if this method stopped. Personally I would be pleased to see it stopped.
Susan Hillier, Hemel Hempstead
My 83 year old mother ordered furniture from Hemel Reproductions last year,she is still waiting. We have contacted Citizens Advise, Comsumer Direct, and have been told there is nothing we can do!!!!! What pensioner can afford to lose this kind of money.
Kerry Dunlop, Hemel Hempstead
Steve u were such a big star to me u always made me laugh no matter what, i loved maths wiv you at school i remember laughing so hard on day i nearly fell off my chair and got kicked out of lesson.(what a supprise hey) memories can never be taken away from us and to that i am so grateful as i know when ever i think of u i will always have that laughter in my head and my heart. well steve what can i say apart from shine like you have never shined before and keep on being that STAR that you have always been and always will be to me and every lucky person that knew you x x x all my love forever Kerry D.
Mike
As you approach the magic roundabout treat each small painted roundabout individually, give way to the right and don't park on top off them.We would all get round it a lot faster if we were a bit more considerate.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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