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Pleasure Flights and the hovercraft service
By Alex Braham
PLEASURE
Flights and the hovercraft service seemed to be popular attractions
for both holidaymakers and locals alike, that was, until recently.
On both fronts it was not a drop in interest in the attractions,
rather more an increased concern by environmental groups about the
damage being done to the Lancashire coastline. This prompted action
to see what people thought regarding this issue. I conducted an
interview with shoppers on Lord Street in Southport.
The first question asked passers by if they thought there should be
Pleasure Flights on Southport Beach. The second question enquired
about the feasibility of a hovercraft service between Southport and
Blackpool.
I initially thought that there would be a difference of opinion on
both counts however our editor believed that interviewees would
probably think very positively of the suggestions.
I was astounded with the results. Nearly everyone questioned thought
that Pleasure Flights and the hovercraft service were good ideas.
Out of 40+ people, we only got three mostly negative views back, yet
only two of them where fully negative!
One chap from Southport said that:- "I like the idea of
flights from the beach as we had them not so long back, but they
stopped when Sefton stopped clearing the air strip. It is a shame as
it was something fun to see and do. Not many places in the UK have
an air strip on the beach and Southport was one of them up until
recently. Yes bring it back. As for the hovercraft, as long as the
sound does not frighten the birds, I do not see a problem in having
it. It will be more important for Southport than Blackpool, but all
the same, it would be a very welcome service for both towns."
Anouther interviewed said that:- "Pleasure flights are not a
good idea. By air it lets out more emissions of carbon dioxide and
it is wrong. AS that has been on the news at the moment. I do
actually thing a hovercraft service is a good idea as it would raise
tourism in both Blackpool and Southport because it would be easier
to get to both."
To hear some of your views
To hear interviews 1
to 7 please
click here!
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Stock Transfer vote is a step closer
LIVERPOOL'S
plans to ask all 18,000 council tenants if they wish to transfer to
a new landlord are a step nearer.
It follows a crunch meeting with the Government's Department for
Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
The city council wants to transfer its remaining 18,000 homes to
Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH), a newly formed tenant led housing
association.
Transfer would allow LMH to deal with the housing repairs backlog
and provide improvements such as central heating, double glazing,
new kitchens and bathrooms to homes that badly need them.
Following the meeting in August, government officials have said they
share the city's objective to improve tenants homes, and are
confident that agreement can be reached by the end of November that
would enable the city council to proceed to ballot.
Marilyn Fielding, executive member for housing and neighbourhoods,
said:- "Decades of underinvestment in Liverpool's housing
stock means that there is an urgent need for major investment.
We believe transferring to a new tenant led housing association
offers the best way of raising the tens of millions of pounds that
needs to be spent to ensure that every single council tenant lives
in good quality accommodation.
We look forward to working with the government to get the best
possible deal for our tenants."
Meanwhile preparations for the proposed stock transfer have
continued, and LMH last week hosted the first in a series of
information days for tenants in Knotty Ash, Dale Meadow, Stoneycroft
and Phythian. It was a chance for them to see some of the
improvements they
will receive if they vote yes in the ballot.
Bill Lacey, chair of LMH's shadow board, said:- "We are
confident that agreement will be reached and the Shadow Board of
Liverpool Mutual Homes continues to work on setting up the
organisation and getting it ready for the transfer."
West Lancs. Junior Badminton Squad/Club
WE are looking
to start the West Lancs. Junior Badminton Squad/Club in September,
for the new season and are looking for new players. Girls and boys,
aged between 7 and 19, all standards, who do not currently play for
the county.
We are also looking
for coaches to work with our groups. CRB check and coaching
qualification essential.
For more information, or to book your place, please contact Barbara
at
westlancsjuniors@yahoo.co.uk or
ring/text 07812 688669 asap. |
