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Flora MacGregor
St Albans Road
Hemel Hempstead
The latest picture of the former Kodak Tower appeared in last week's Gazette, and we were invited 'tell us your thoughts'. Well my thought is, living with it at the bottom of the road, is that it is awful. It looks a mess, and the buidling was much more pleasing to the eye as it was before all this altertion.
The colour, the glass, it looks tatty and cheap and I would not like to live there, even if I was paid to.It is bad enough seeing it. I do not know how it got past the planners!


Miss Gemma Allnutt/Mr Alan Greatbatch
Pelham Court
Hemel Hempstead
I read your article in the local paper regarding the problem with mould in council properties and the council not doing anything about it! That is the exact problem we have too.
We live on the top floor of Pelham Court in Leverstock Green, we would of been living here for 3 years this September. About a year or 2 a go I contacted the council as we had mould in our spare room and it was constantly smellingof damp and was even on teh ceilings in the built in wardrobes in there. They sent someone round who basically said it was because we must of shut the shutters on the windows, but we keep these open a majority of the time except for when the weather is extremely cold but this isn't often and he basically left with saying that was the problem. We stripped the wallpaper in the bedroom that we had just decorated and got some mould remover to try and get rid of it however 6months on and it is still there and we now have an undecorated spare rioom because the mould won;t go away, the flat is constantly musty and the windows are always soaking wet every morning. If you look on the outside of the building you can tell around the top of the building where we are that there is a lot of damp and mould or thats what it appears to be, but the council don't seem to want to know!! I'm sure it is not healthy and needs more investigation into the top of the roof ro somewhere that is causing this.

Yan Christensen
Berkhamsted
DBC has in my opinion made the right decision in respect of free swimming for the over 60s. The local Sports Centre is very good value indeed and I do not believe that making it free to swim would bring a single additional pensioner into the water. Many go already, and those that do not are not kept away by financial considerations; free swims would benefit people who can afford it anyway.
Children are a slightly different matter; it would clearly be a good thing to get them into the habit of swimming, but several local schools have facilities for the pupils and there may be better uses for DBC's money.


Sheila Jarvis
Ayfer Orhan seems to be in the newspapers a lot recently. I have an election Labour party campaign leaflet where Ayfer Orhan slammed Hemel Tories for their disgraceful scaremongering about the closure of Hemel Hospital. Although the hospital is not closed, there is no A and E, no maternity unit, but "she appreciates only too well the need for treatment within easy reach of her home". Where does she live – Watford?

I would not believe anything she says, and with regard the Pool I would envisage that Dave Cove is probably right, as a lot of over 60 can swim to keep fit, and parents in this area ensure that their children are able to swim by taking swimming lessons, and then practicing at the pool. I applaud these people and would support free use of the pool if it was feasible. However if there is a shortfall in the government funding as Dave Cove says there will be – who will be footing the bill. Certainly not Ayfer Orhan. I am over 60 and would benefit from the free swimming and I have no affiliation to the Tories.


Gwynneth Lewis
I was really disappointed to learn that Dacorum Borough Council had decided not to implement the free swimming funded by the government for younger and older people. Being over 60 myself and like many other pensioners, finding the present economical situation hard going, I was so pleased that I would be able to at least participate in exercise and be encouraged to keep fit with the help of the government funding. It is so important for our age group to look after their fitness levels, and also have a period of social interaction at the same time. If older people were encouraged to get fitter, it would lead to less being spent on NHS care in the longer term. Being fit is good for body and soul. Come on DBC, get your priorities right!

John Barnes
Would you pay to park ?
I would NOT pay to park - this is just another money raising scheme. I am not sure why Rex Tyler of Cooks Delight is complaining - there are 4 spaces opposite his shop, another 6 including disabled a few yards further and 5 more further along ! As far as the other parking - some of it is due to the rail station parkers - why not make these areas 'no waiting 11.00 - 12.00' except residents and issue a free residents sticker. I no longer shop in Hemel or Watford due to the charges & I can find my needs in the out of town centres.

Kristina Donaldson & Alison Canfield
We're not ones for writing letters, however, we are appalled by our council's attitude in not taking up the governments offer of free swimming in this area and feel we must make a statement.

As working mums it would make a massive difference for us as a family if we had free access to swimming facilities.
Firstly, it would enable us to get out and socialise with other mums and allow our children to socialise too. This can only be beneficial for our families and the community in general.
Secondly, on a tight budget, our recreational activities are severely limited. Lack of exercise and poor diet contribute to a generally poor standard of health. Free swimming would mean we would be able to exercise much more and have a significantly healthier life-style.
Both of these things would bring much benefit to our families and the wider community.
Please bring this to the attention of our community! We deserve much better.


Andrew Clarke
Rowley Walk
I have today contacted the Manager of Leisure World Jarman Park (Sarah) to find out why there are cameras above the doors to the "family changing rooms". I informed her that they could be seen from inside the rooms. She has informed me that they are static and are pointed towards the lockers. I asked her why they were dark globe type cams instead of the type that make it clear where they are pointing. She assured me that they were never moved away from the lockers and she was sure that they do not look into the rooms. This is incorrect and my partner and I can confirm that when we attended the pool last week we were both shocked that the camera was so clearly visible over the door. I am sure that Sarah is only saying what she believes but I am sure that other parents would have the same reaction to being told that I should not worry because the staff of the swimming pool will not turn the camera round.

Also I would like to find out if the security and staff that monitor the cameras have "C.I.S" accreditation. Is everybody who looks at the monitors just trusted to look the other way or are they trained and police checked?

I work in security but would really appreciate someone looking into this as in this day and age I believe there should be some places that should remain private.

martin crowhurst
gade close
hemel hempstead
I am so annoyed to read that Ayfer Orhan thinks that it is funny to rub our noses in it when it was the the party that she represents where behind the closure of our hospital
she said to me and my mother about a year ago we are not losing our hospital i can promise you that well what happened another labour party promise that was not kept
i am discuded by this and feel that she nees to get a reality check on hemel as we know she does not even live in the town so how does she know what we want.


paul
high ridge road
You would think a gentle walk on Easter Monday would be an enjoyable experience, calming and good for the soul. The warm spring sunshine at Two Waters, however, illuminated not just the glorious blossoms and natures hopeful buds but a river and it's banks festooned with rubbish. Fast food boxes, drink containers, plastic bags and other detritus littered the banks and bobbed in the water. This theme continued all the way into hemel, hedges and verges stuffed with bottles cans and packets, the river swimming with plastic and shopping trolleys. Picking our way through the broken glass and cans of the underpass we arrived at the Marlowes where, if anything, things were worse. Where there was a bin it overflowed and the streets were just filthy. Most of the blame, of course, must lie with the slovenly cretins who drop this rubbish but if we have bins then why not empty them regularly and sweep up like they do in other countries. Come on Hemel, it may not be a very beautif ul town but why make it worse? let's have a bit of pride!

P.Bullen
I am dismayed to read Ayfer Orhan's letter (Gazette 15.04.09.) stating that the hospital is not closing. She then cites the Urgent Care Centre as part of the West Herts NHS Hospital Trust and continues with a series of statistics none of which support her first statement that the hospital is not closing. It is worrying to think that as a prospective parliamentary candidate she equates these facts with a hospital. We had a general hospital in Hemel Hempstead which offered a range of services to local people locally. We now have a glorified minor injuries unit and very little else, certainly it cannot be called a hospital, indeed this is recognised by the fact that the road signs have been changed. Would Ayfer Orhan care to comment how this can benefit the people of Hemel Hempstead particularly the ageing population of the New Town and the growing population of young families? Or has she redefined the term general hospital in order for her to quote some national statistics but ignoring the local statistic that Hemel Hempstead is one of the largest towns in Hertfordshire, now without a general hospital?

Anon
yay to the roundabout hounds!
I thought the roundabout hounds were fantastic! my daughter loved them and we drove around the town looking for more but only managed to see two - one on the roundabout nearest to Texaco garage, Woodhall farm and one on the roundabout nearest the Bury. Its a shame that they were taken down, it certainly caused a discussion on Facebook! I would love to see them back. Lets hope it wasnt the 'killjoy council' that took them!

Alan Haire
Washington Avenue, Grovehill
Why are there so many broken bottles littering the streets of Grovehill? Taking my dogs for a walk every day i have to negotiate this assault course of broken glass in the hope that my dogs don't get cut paws. These broken bottles are in all of the subways and on many of the foot paths in Grovehill.
I assume those responsible for this don't own pets, they definately don't care about their invironment. A worrying thing about this is that those responsible for making the streets of Hemel so disgusting and dangerous will go on to have children of their own and pass on these values.
How often can the residents of Grovehill expect the council to sweep the streets? we pay more than enough Council Tax for this service to be done more often than it is now. I've lived in Grovehill for eight years and have never seen a street cleaner in this area.

Hilary Gardener
I was absolutely shocked to hear that some apparently "upstanding citizens" of our community felt it acceptable to air their disapproval of the new scout hut by such a malicious and threatening act as to lay a wreath at someones door. We are talking about some fantastic "all giving" volunteers working their guts out to provide our next generation of children with a fantastic resource to enable them to grow up with much needed values through traditional activities. The scout movement can only be looked upon as an excellent educational activity group. Sadly the low life community members, who deem it acceptable to make gestures, which can only be seen as death threats cannot see the value in raising our next generation properly as they clearly cannot have any values themselves. As someone who was a Potten End Venture Scout 25 years ago,I wish the scout group of Potten End the very best of luck with their project.

John Hallatt
Hempstead Lane, Potten End
I fully support the approved plans to build a new scout hut for the younger members of the Potten End community. The local Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers provide a much needed and appreciated resource in the village which offers little other amenity for them. Having visited the existing hut on numerous occasions it has clearly exceeded it's sell-by date by many years. A very committed group of leaders aided by a large body of local parents has already expended much time and effort to bring the new hut project to its present state, following the prescribed rules and regulations. It is outrageous that anyone should resort to threats against the Chair of the Parish Council to try to influence the final decision on this project which has already received full planning permission from Dacorum Council after changes to the plans were made to accomodate local concerns.


Danny & Barbara Bonwitt
Once again a few self-centred people are being negative and selfish. The Scout movement and its army of volunteers do an excellent job for our young people. They should be encouraged, and the thought of a modern building for scouts now and for the future should be celebrated.
We live in the village; certainly there is more traffic now, but that is the way society is developing. Perhaps we should give up our second or third cars? It should not be an excuse for not dealing with another problem; the disaffection of our youth.


Ian Cutler
GSL Potten End Scout Group
The proposed new scout hut on Homefield is desperately needed by the Potten End Scout Group. As the Group Scout Leader for Potten End Scout Group I know this fact only too well. Our current building (a 1920's built former tennis pavilion) is well beyond its useful life, it is cold in winter and therefore expensive to heat, it is also very expensive to maintain. The photograph in the Gazzette clearly showed the state of the building.
The Group has been searching for a new home in the village for over four years as our old site is too cramped to develop. In consultation with the Parish Council the site at Homefield was identified as suitable. The Group has spent considerable amounts of money developing the plan for this site.
Following the recent events in the village, the village has a decision to make.
Does it want a community facility to be proud of, that is used by the biggest youth organisation in the country for the benefit of all the children of the community who chose to join, or does it wish to see the eventual extinction of Scouting in the village of Potten End.
I firmly believe the majority of villagers want the former, not the latter.

Lorraine and Steven Percival
Rambling Way
Potten End
We were so ashamed to hear of the scare tactics used to put pressure on the council for a rejection of this proposal. These people do not speak for the village community as a whole, and show no respect for the councils involved. They should have a voice, as we all should, but should stand up and be seen like the rest of the community if they want to be heard and their points considered.
Lorraine and I have 2 children in the cubs and beavers that we hope will go on for many years to benefit from the hard work and dedication the scout team put in. But it is not just personal gain that motivates us to support this development. The scout movement has a tremendous effect in supporting and prompting good values, honesty and community spirit, and the long term gain for any community should be appreciated by the entire village.
We put our trust in the council to make the right choice in this matter and feel sure they must listen to all sides of the argument, but trust that these pressure tactics will not sway their judgment in any way from what they feel is correct for this community.
If any further support is needed Lorraine and I will be there as we fully support this development.

John Newberry
Hemel HempsteadWATFORD NOW A HEART ATTACK CENTRE. This service is exactly what was available at Hemel Hempstead Hospital until the cardiac catheter lab was taken away to give to Watford! Yet more spin from West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust.

Christine NormannI was appalled to read of what is happening in Potten End and I strongly feel that we need to support people like Anna Barnard who certainly does not deserve to have death threats against her because she is trying to help the young community! Nobody does, and I want to offer her my sincere sympathy and support.
Anybody who offers their time and help to young people of today as she clearly does deserves a medal. Young people of this age need all the help they can get from caring and responsible adults willing to be with them.
I feel very sad about this and the protests and I can only add that if good people do nothing in circumstances like this then negative and self gratifying people will continue to flourish.


Anon
I am writing in support of the proposed new Scout Hut building.
Why should a small minority spoil it for the majority? There can't be many families in Potten End and the surrounding area who have not benefited from the activities provided by the Scouting and Guide Association. The various volunteer leaders over the years have done an invaluable job providing opportunities, guidance and leadership to the members of Scouts and Guides. Their popularity speaks for itself with waiting lists for membership across the board. A new facility is needed urgently, without any further delay.

Hilary Gardener
I was absolutely shocked to hear that some apparently "upstanding citizens" of our community felt it acceptable to air their disapproval of the new scout hut by such a malicious and threatening act as to lay a wreath at someones door. We are talking about some fantastic "all giving" volunteers working their guts out to provide our next generation of children with a fantastic resource to enable them to grow up with much needed values through traditional activities. The scout movement can only be looked upon as an excellent educational activity group. Sadly the low life community members, who deem it acceptable to make gestures, which can only be seen as death threats cannot see the value in raising our next generation properly as they clearly cannot have any values themselves. As someone who was a Potten End Venture Scout 25 years ago, I wish the scout group of Potten End the very best of luck with their project.

John Young
Wigginton
I was saddened to read of the opposition to the planning for a new building for the Scouts at Potten End. It is so good these days to know that young people still wish to support something so worthwhile and also to know that there are leaders willing to give up their time to organise this.
Perhaps those who are opposed to the plan for a better building would prefer to see youngsters hanging around the streets with nothing to do.
Their arguments against the plan do not seem to carry much weight. They would be better offering their services for such a good cause.
As one who has spent 60 years in voluntary work with young people and still run two clubs in our village, it is upsetting to hear of such positive activities for the next generation being obstructed.
I know that youngsters get great enjoyment from out of school clubs and long may they continue.

Roy
Hemel Hempstead
Message: Re today's story "Hunt for theft suspects" the pics appear 9 weeks after the theft actually took place. Far too late ! ! !

Anon
Tring, High Street
I was born in Tring and I continue to live here. The thought of losing our tip (which I always use when necessary makes me feel physically sick. I'am spitting blood with sheer anger and rage at the very thought of this and I will not allow us to lose this greatly needed site without screaming my lungs out. Its sick enough to know that we are seeing the New World Order, illuminati, rothschilds, rockafellas illuminati dream come true on a global scale without seeing all of this happeniing on such a local level. Our goverment is already controlled and run by Brussels. The only reason we have our currency is to fool people into believing that we are still a sovereign. The current climate has been deliberately planned and orchestrated just like in the 30's. Problem, reaction solution is the process by which we are duped into.... I could go on but I'm wasting my time so I'll go for tonic water and calm down.

Graeme Simpson
Tile Kiln Lane
Leverstock Green
The roads in Leverstock Green are a disgrace,Peascroft and Kilncroft are more a collection of holes than a road.St Michael's Avenue is a shambles,as are some of the pavements.

s green
summerhouse way
REF: wind farm wind up
its ok to have an april fools joke, but falsely raising the hopes of residents about cheaper power when this is one of the most serious issues of our time, is irresponsible and poorly thought out. not to mention that no - one in their right mind would place a turbine in a sheltered valley bottom, and of course none of the NIMBY sheep-like residents would agree anyway even if it would benefit the planet, them and their children.

Rayner
I am deeply concerened, at the errors and extrematies our local council go to squeeze money out of residents, particularly, those on benefits. I am on Incapacity Benefit, and suffer severe depression due to being bipolar. I was given a court summons, for nearly £400, when I questioned them, they realised their mistake, and went down to £140? I did not even know, Liability Council Tax exsisted until a court summons was handed to me. They laughed when I spoke to them, and even remarked, that they didn't care about my outgoings, only what I was awarded each week, and that they would take this off of me, even if it meant having no food to eat! I then wrote to my MP, when they received this letter, they then claimed, I owed money from my previous home which I lost during the Buncfield Blast four years ago, and even went as far back as 1998. I have checked my records, and always paid my council tax by DirectDebit. During redundancies, I had to claim Job Seekers allowence
inbetween jobs, so I could keep a roof over my head, and therefore, am not liable for Liabilty Tax'.

My deep concern, is for the vulnerable, the disabled, the elderley and those who are struggling to make ends meet. Very often, I have heard from so many people, that do not owe what the council have demanded, and are too ill, or afraid, and end up paying them when they need not at all! This kind of bullish behaviour mirrors back street debt collecting agencies, who, would find themselves in court if they behaved in this manner.

jon buck, Townsend Hemel
RE - Council chiefs have agreed to close 11 of the borough's 19 public toilets as a cost-cutting measure? The closure of PUBLIC TOILETS in Communities in The Dacorum is A Disgrace, I think Most of the Toilets in Hemel @ least are built in such a way they are Almost Vandal Proof, & rarely need more than a Touch Up of Paint, Surely there are People in The Communities affected by these closures that could help keep them open as Volunteers, Just like the Community Support Police, You could have a Community Amenities Officer some people given a free uniform can do wonders, obviously people would have to be Vetted before being taken on as Community Amenities Officers as you don't want Any Tom,Dick & Harry hanging around the Toilets. And as for Spending £700,000 on 3 Space Age Toilets, What a BRILLIANT idea that is of trying to Save £2.8 Million !!!!

Graeme Simpson, Leverstock Green
The junction of Peascroft and Kilncroft is an absolute shambles,as is some of St Michael's Avenue and the pavements in Tile Kiln Lane.The grounds of St Albert the Great School in Rants Meadow are full of foxes,badgers and rats are becoming a dumping ground for unwanted rubbish,can the copse area not be cleared,it is a health hazard and an eyesore.

Samantha Osborne, Hemel Hempstead
I would like to know the history of Honeycross Road, HP1 2HZ. Ideally, I would like to know what was there before the road and town, Chaulden were built. Thank you. Samantha
spam.osborne@vodafoneemail.co.uk