Being patriotic is seen as politically incorrect
As far as St George's Day is concerned, yes, let's celebrate the worst recession in England since the War.
With record numbers of people losing their jobs and homes in a country where we bear the highest tax burden in western Europe.
Let's celebrate while our MPs and councillors claim record allowances at the taxpayer's expense.
What if we did fly the flag of St George? Thanks to the politically
correct mob, St George and England are dirty words. Surely we would face arrest?
Iain Houghton, Northern Avenue, Much Hoole
Elderly in need of big budget boost
The North West Pensioners Association is calling on the Chancellor to use his Budget today to introduce a series of measures that would boost our incomes and stimulate local economies.
Recent research suggests that because pensioner poverty is so finely balanced a small difference in income can have a dramatic effect on people.
We want Mr Darling to introduce combined tax allowances enabling pensioner couples to be assessed on a joint income rather than individually.
We also recommend an increase the state pension to 165 a week, the official poverty level, and we believe the winter fuel allowance should be 500 for every pensioner household.
Over the next few years, the case will be made for public spending cuts and rises in taxation in order to pay for the bail out of the banking industry. This could place benefits and services to older people under threat. One of the key areas will be social care, which is chronically underfunded and needs a cash injection of at least 2bn.
Very few people recognise the terrible effect that the recession is having on those in retirement. Millions have lost money from their savings, others are struggling with the rising cost of living and some have seen cuts in the care they receive.
This generation has tried to put money aside for a rainy day – but
no-one mentioned a monsoon.
Derek Barton, North West Pensioners Association, via email
Fed up with rugby team's results
The Wigan rugby team of 30 years ago, who were sadly relegated, was made up mainly of local lads who tried their best; most loyal fans
accepted this. This shambolic mess of 2009 is the worst team since then and we also recognise this.
The difference is this lot are on healthy contracts, have better facilities and are a team of so-called internationals. Any long standing Wigan fan will tell you it's not good enough. Every year it's the same excuses.
A win against the hapless Celtic
Crusaders on Sunday shouldn't mean all is rosy again.
Colin Barnes, Hindley
So grateful to kind strangers
I would like to say a big thank you to the couple who helped us on Saturday (April 12) evening at Haven Marton Mere in Blackpool.
My husbandbecame illin the caravan so my son ran for help and the husbandof the couplewho were in the caravan opposite came to our assistance by ringing 999 and staying on the line while they instructed us what to do until the paramedics got there. Meanwhile his wife looked after our little girl until the ambulance arrived.
I only know they came from Astley and didn't even manage to get their names as everything was so rushed.
But a big heartfelt thanks to them. It's great to know there are kind and caring people out there!
Janet Newbiggin, address supplied
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
