Readers' letters - April 6

And so it came to pass that the Tories, first in coalition, and since then with their presumptive interpretation of a marginal majority, have continued to fail us all with their attitude to and annihilation of our precious public library system.

It means that millions of ordinary “hard-working”, low-income people have had (and will have) their opportunity to use public library services (and the experience and knowledge of irreplaceable public library staff) denied to them and future generations.

The facts speak for themselves.

Since 2010, nearly 350 libraries have been closed and 8,000 jobs lost.

Looking ahead, another 111 libraries are set for closure this year alone, and all because of obsessive and ill thought-out austerity measures brought about by a regressive and ideological attitude to economic need versus economic greed by David Cameron, George Osborne and their fawning acolytes.

History will look back at these times with a mixture of disbelief, anger and opprobrium when Cameron’s and Osborne’s legacy is finally put to the ultimate test.

Meanwhile what price wisdom?

What price knowledge?

What price insight?

What price morality?

What price greed?

Mr H.O. Griffiths

Address supplied 


living wage

There’ll be 
no jam today

I wish the media in general would not write that the “living wage” has kicked in as they did on Friday, April 1, 2016.

This was April fools day, and Osborne was playing a big trick on the people.

All we have is a small increase in the minimum wage.

A wee step towards the living wage, which MAY kick in in 2020.

“Jam tomorrow” but today?

The aim is £9 a hour in 
2020.

But if we take cost of living today, that would be nearer £10 a hour, and this is someone working 40 hours a week.

People, besides paying essential bills, electricity, gas, water rates, rent or mortgage and putting jam on the table, need leisure time.

Whether it is a social drink in the local, an occasional family meal out, going to the pictures or watching/participating in a sport.

Not to mention a holiday break.

These are part of a healthy life.

This quality of life can’t be achieved on the minimum wage.

As I have written, this increase is a SMALL step in the right direction, but there is a long way to go to having a fairer and equal society, this can happen with the help of a living wage.

“Jam tomorrow and every day but not today” Osbourne motto.

Michael Reilly

via email

COMEDY

A golden age for laughter

Ronnie Corbett was the smallest in stature but the biggest and best loved in the business.

What a sad day for British comedy, especially when he lost his partner in The Two Ronnies which I thought was better than The Morecambe & Wise Show.

These four characters were giants in their profession, unlike a lot of so-called comedians today who can’t get a laugh without vulgarity.

John Watson,

Address supplied