So grateful to helpful couple
I just had to write because we hear so much bad press about people ignoring others in need.
On Easter Sunday, after a nice day out in the Lake District, myself and my mum and dad got stuck on the M6.
When our car broke down, another car stopped and a couple I believe said they were called Carl and Susan from Oldham, stopped and asked if they could help.
They kindly took me and my mum home even though we live in an area which was out of their way, checked that my mum was in the house ok and then took me back to wait with my dad for the AA on the M6.
They were actually there, assisting with the car, when we got back.
I would just like to say a big big thank you to this couple for going way beyond the call of duty even to stop in the first place.
We will be forever grateful to
you.
Fiona Hanrahan, via email
Tory support for bill did not add up
The Private Members Fuel Poverty Bill, introduced by Liberal Demo-crat MP David Heath, would have forced energy companies to offer their lowest tariffs to the most vulnerable households.
It was rejected in its second reading in the House of Commons.
It received overwhelming support but needed 100 MP votes to
proceed.
A majority of Liberal Democrat MPs turned up to back the Bill.
By contrast only 20 Conservatives - one in 10 of their number in Parliament – turned up to vote, in spite of 'official' Conservative support.
The Bill was backed by a number of groups including: Age Concern; Help the Aged; Child Poverty Action Group; Disability Alliance and several others.
It comes as no surprise that the Labour Government opposed the Bill and we now have a clear indication of what caring Conservatism amounts to.
Name and address supplied
Tax hikes so much higher than rpi
As a council taxpayer in the Lancashire area, I have looked back into my personal records since March 1995. The council tax demand then was 625.68. As there has been 44% inflation in the Retail Price Index since then, one would expect the demand this year to be 900.98.
It is, in fact, 1,392.04 - a rise of 122%.
In 1995 my water bill was 217.04 which, based on the RPI, should be 312.67. It is actually 477.67, a rise of 120%.
These are non-discretionary bills. In other words they have to be paid and you cannot go anywhere for the services.
Old Age Pensioners have their annual increases pegged to rises in the RPI and have lost out dramatically because of these demands.The moral of this tale is don't grow old.
Bill Green, via email
Keep recession in perspective
It's true, Great Britain is in a mess and for many people, life is not quite so comfortable as before.
But we don't get earthquakes and our houses don't crumble to the ground, killing many people in the process.
My grandmother used to say that there is always someone worse off than yourself in life and there was never a truer word.
We should keep this recession in
perspective. It's only money.
Observer, via email
(name and address supplied)
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 09 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 15 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
