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Lift our eyes a litter higher

I AGREE with Mr. Prewett regarding the apathy of Rugby as a community, "We do not seem to care what is done by the council in our name."
Although Rugby is famous for three things, the school, the game and Sir Frank Whittle's name and do not forget Rugby station. But none of these our elected councillors can take credit for.
However, when in comes to doing the things they were elected to do like protecting our environment, I do not just refer to our own 'Cape Canaveral' which I do not believe our local councillors are in any position to do anything about, but to other serious problems of our roads and streets.
Do any of the council officials know anything about the areas which are in need of some imaginative ideas for regeneration?
I speak in particular about our terraced areas ranging from Newbold Road to the east all the way through towards Biart Place and south of the railway.
What a sad area it has now become, the residents dispirited and forgotten, the streets dirty, the roads clogged with cars and heavy vehicles and with the one primary school, an island in an area of take-aways and public houses which is swamped with litter daily and has hardly a blade of grass to its name.
When I first arrived in Rugby whilst working on the railway I settled in this area and raised three children in the house we still live in. It was a vibrant area and was full of life, the livestock market was still busy trading in not just cattle and sheep but also pigs, chicken, geese, rabbits and much more. It was like taking the kids to the zoo for a day out. The abattoir was next door and although not the ideal place to take children for a treat, it did provide much work for many residents as did the GEC and the railway.
We had the coal sidings on Wood Street with merchants plying their trade in and out of the yard; Liddington's brewery had a bottle yard at the top of Pinders Lane behind what was then The Globe. We had our own police station and even a roller-skating rink, where Omega Place is now, as well as the adjoining agricultural engineers, oh yes and a swimming pool in Regent Place.
I could go on for ever saying what we had then. There was so much more that I as a new Rugbeian had not known or forgotten about. The point I make is that as places disappeared, they were always replaced more and more of what we already had, an abundance of houses and affordable accommodations. Butchers, grocery and general stores were sold for development and I refuse to believe that supermarkets can be blamed for all our ills.
Now the old cattle market has closed and a vast area has become available for development, what does our council do but agree planning to develop more housing saying 'Oh, but you'll get a small park and community centre'. But what about all the extra residents coming in? Will they not be using these new amenities also? Won't they also not be driving around in cars?
Come on Rugby, can we not afford to lift our eyes a little higher towards a brighter horizon for our town, something as great as the other three achievements we are noted for?
Tom Gresty,
Kimberley Road,
Rugby.


Lilian is not on her own

I write in reply to your article on page seven of the July 24th edition of the Advertiser, '£100,000 court bill for cement campaigner'.
It seems to me to be yet another case of the Environment Agency (EA) stating influentially incorrect facts.
To use as their basis saying Mrs. Pallikaropoulos is the only person interested in pursuing legal action against Cemex is untrue. Why? Because I am 'another' person.
The EA must have forgotten the many people who generously made contributions towards the 'Hearing etc' for Legal Aid application and for Judicial Review to be allowed.
Right from the onset, many years ago, I used the words 'Guinea Pigs' because we have been experimented upon and the Environment Agency do not have the power to 'really' protect us at all.
When I talk to people about my concerns regarding the unknown 'Health Hazards' whilst living in close proximity to the Rugby 'Cement Factory' they too have the same concerns. Rugby in Plume continues to speak on behalf of all such persons.
I heard one Judge question/ask the EA Barrister Mr. Elgin to inform him what course of redress do the public have open to them, and the answer .......included the Courts and Judicial Review. How can that be so if the costs are so prohibitive?
I thought telling the 'Truth' was the most important matter, but alas, not any more.'When the wind is in the East, it is neither fit for man nor beast' was a proverb when I was young referring to the bitter strong wind in the winter, but now, on an otherwise lovely day, when the sun is shining and the wind is in the East it is 'Dusty Air' coming my way from the cement factory.
The EA is aware that people get fed up writing and talking about their concerns because nobody listens, and nothing can be done, especially when I believe Authorities choose not to consult the public.
When is there going to be made a 'Statutory Duty' to determine Planning Applications and all the associated works and environment issues and regulations by the same authority?
Instead, we live in a society of 'put up or shut up' because we (you know who) are going to do this, that and the other, whether you like it or not! Retrospective is the in-word.
Mrs. Patricia Wyatt.
Long Lawford.


In praise of Lilian

I THINK that it is ridiculous for the Environment Agency to say that the protest over Cemex is a 'private campaign' just because the majority of Rugby residents are too lethargic to look at the facts in this case (Advertiser, July 24).
If nothing else we should commend Lilian Pallikaropoulos in her abilities to get to the heart of the matter regarding the EA's inability to monitor the crazyness that is going on at the oversized particulate factory.
It's easy to find a conversation going on about the negative aspects of cement production in this quaint little market town.
It is not so easy to find anyone like Lilian, who is articulate enough to challenge these swine in the open.. many times armed with more facts and stats than the Environment Agency and Cemex put together.
Cemex should offer to pay the costs themselves. They give far more to the schools situated in the shadow of their spewing stack.
Christian Payne,
Parkfield Road,
Newbold.


Chilling lesson to all

Goodness gracious, how audacious!
Thank you to the Advertiser for revealing the appalling situation I now find myself in for merely asking that the UK and EU Laws be implemented correctly, and for telling the truth about the Environment Agency and its 'sham consultation processes' as carried out in Rugby ('£100,000 court bill for cement camapigner', Advertiser July 24).
It is a very chilling salutary lesson to us all, and we must forever 'put up and shut up', else face the consequences, and be penalised, victimised,persecuted and intimidated for even suggesting that the public might be openly, honestly, transparently and meaningfully consulted on the Permit, and on matters which affect our environment, amenity, air quality and health. Who do we think we are?
Why did I all alone, (according to the Agency the only caring person in Rugby), ever bother about the health of the most affected local residents round the cement works in New Bilton, Newbold and Lawford, and why did the Rugby Cement Community Forum politely ask for access to all the available data about the health damaging emissions, and for the truth to be revealed? Goodness gracious, how audacious!
I believe the Environment Agency has sunk to unbelievable depths in order to silence legitimate protest in Rugby, and to stop the European Environmental Impact Directive from being implemented in the UK.
The five Law Lords were very divided on the facts and substance of the case against the Environment Agency in a three-two split, finally finding against us in their Judgement, and declining to refer the case to the higher European Court, although they admitted they were not sure about the law in this case.
This dubious decision has now created 'bad law' which is already being quoted in other court cases, and simply has to be challenged in the European Court of Justice.
We were not asking the courts to close down the cement works, but were asking that the Agency be forced to follow the correct and lawful procedures with regard to both the waste burning in what is now the co-incinerator, and in the public consultation process.
Lilian Pallikaropoulos,
Hillmorton Road,
Rugby.


Vendetta? It's ridiculous

I AM writing to express my support for Lilian Pallikaropoulos in her campaign against Rugby Cement. I am appalled to hear that she is being required to pay court bills that may exceed £100,000, and that she may find herself homeless (Advertiser, July 24).
This is a terrible position for a private individual, who has never stood to benefit personally from the campaign against Rugby Cement, to find herself in.
I believe that Lilian has the support of thousands of people in this town. The idea that she is pursuing some sort of 'private vendetta' is ridiculous. The Environment Agency are employing expensive lawyers who suggest that Lilian is acting entirely alone – well they would say that, wouldn't they? This suggestion is an insult to the majority of the people of Rugby who care very deeply about clean air, and about the health of our children growing up in the town.
I sincerely hope that the people of Rugby will support Lilian in the terrible predicament that she faces.
Maureen Meadows,
Hillmorton Road,
Rugby.


Rugby is so fortunate

I HAVE recently returned from Kenya where I currently work and noticed the many changes, some of which are in progress, taking place in Rugby.
It is nice to see that Rugby town is finally undergoing development in order to enhance its appeal for both residents and visitors. The development of the shopping site by the library finally starting, this I believe has been in talks for some decades.
The completion of the new train station, much more modern and hopefully proves to be efficient too.
The National Lottery grant to Caldecott Park, which once it is complete will serve to be a compliment to the town centre area.
Also more clubs and bars have opened up giving people more choices to enjoy nights out.
Besides the progress and development of the Rugby area, it is also a shame that I have returned to news that violence is still present, with the news of a young stabbing victim right in the town centre.
Such a tragedy serves as a reminder that despite the progress we make, there will always be something to overshadow attempts to move forward.
It was a fitting tribute to that recent tragedy and in light of the high rate of knife crimes taking place in the U.K that the pledge wall was set up last week with many signing it and handing in weapons during the amnesty.
It is important that Rugby continues to do as much as possible to provide the necessary facilities and outlets for people to enjoy and encourage visitors as we continue to progress with changes.
Let's hope that the town can only go on to achieve better things and build a reputation of good.
Rugby town is fortunate that it is developing and investing. The progress may only be gradual but the results eventual.
I work among people who do not have access to basic luxuries so I hope that people here can come to appreciate what they really do have and realise that they are truly fortunate.
Akharadet Axl Ferguson,
Park Road,
Rugby.


Tenants come first

FURTHER to your reporting on the case of the residents in Churchover who are keeping chickens in their council-owned property I wish to set the record straight on two points:
Firstly, it has always been the intention of Rugby Borough Council to work with all of the local residents to identify a solution that best meets the needs of all of our tenants. This has always been our stated position, as reported in your edition of 17th July, and to suggest that we have or are considering a u-turn is therefore incorrect. Clearly our discussions will take account of matters such as the local environment and the location of the poultry in relation to other residents, their management and other relevant factors. Each of our tenants has a right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes which we are trying to achieve.
Secondly, we are still awaiting discussions with these residents. An earlier meeting was postponed at the request of the tenants, and clearly the meeting that had been planned for last week was re-scheduled, as it is not possible to hold confidential talks in the glare of the national media.
I would therefore hope that we can now progress discussion with all of our tenants at this location to ensure that an outcome that meets the needs of all residents is achieved.
Cllr. Leigh Hunt,
Councillor for Avon and Swift Ward,
Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Inclusive Communities.