Your Letters
Joy of Christmas LightsTo The Editor
I imagine this letter may be controversial – however I speak for others who share my views, so here goes.
In days gone by, little Christmas trees would sparkle in windows reminding us of the advent of the Nativity. Unfortunately, in some cases, this charming modest custom has been replaced with enormous garish light displays, which compete with our tranquil starry winter skies – nay, even the moonlight is diminished. What a pity!
These displays seem a far cry from the lowly manger where Jesus Christ was born and when that one great star in the east (whose magnificence startled the shepherds and led them to Bethlehem) was the only Christmas light.
The low-key simplicity of the stable scene is so affecting and, in its way, to me so glorious – so far removed from overpowering, glaring ‘Christmas’ lights.
The doorway garlands are lovely, small lit trees a joy and a lone candle burning in a window symbolic and welcome (safely-placed, we hope).
Yours sincerely
Liz Stewart- Liberty
The Lee
County Council update
To The Editor
2007 came in like a lion! The temperatures are mild so far but the roads are wet and covered in debris from the gales. Extra care is needed at this time of year and I’m sure we are all looking forward to spring.
2006 was a successful year at County Hall. The County Council is celebrating a strong performance after a glowing appraisal by the Audit Commission, which confirms that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively to achieve high quality local services for our residents.
Nonetheless many local people have been disappointed by the council’s decision to reduce precautionary gritting on our country roads this winter. I have done all within my means to reverse the decision but the Government’s resources equalisation policy has seen £6 million diverted away from Buckinghamshire’s transport budget this year. We will be striving to find the necessary funds to grit more roads next winter and ensure the safety of local residents.
As I write the County Council is faced with two important decisions. The first is their response to the Local Government White Paper and the decision whether to apply for unitary status or enhanced two-tier working, i.e. county and districts improving service delivery through integrated services across the county.
The second decision is how we manage our residual waste. By 2010 we expect to recycle and compost 50% of our waste. New Energy from Waste facilities burn rubbish cleanly and the energy recovered in the process can be fed to the national grid as electricity or create steam to power local industry. It is expected that this system will be in use by 2013 and will be capable of burning 75% of the rubbish that currently goes to landfill, to avoid fines for exceeding our permitted targets of £200/tonne.
Thanks to my Community Leaders’ Fund I have been able to contribute £640 towards the air conditioning system in the new village shop. I do wish the committee every success in bringing the project to fruition.
Do please contact me if I can raise your concerns at County Hall.
Tricia Birchley
Bucks County Council
Attention dog owners
To The Editor
As lambing and calving fast approaches, may I on behalf of the local ovine and bovine residents put in a plea for dog owners to keep their dogs under control.
Livestock is easily stressed by boisterous behaviour and as stress is a major contributor to abortion it is important that animals remain quiet and unworried. Furthermore, as lambs and calves mature a quiet life is crucial for weight gain.
Both sheep and cattle contribute greatly to maintaining the beauty of the countryside. It is only fair that they are allowed to enjoy it as well as us. Remember, however lovely a dog is, animals think ‘wolf’ and the results can be disastrous.
Marilyn Godden
Lee Common