Readers' letters - March 9

Renewable energy is much better option than fracking

Scottish Renewable policy director Jenny Hogan says that the UK Government is refusing to allow onshore wind and solar energy firms to bid against fossil fuel companies for long-term contracts to supply electricity.

Onshore wind and solar are the two cheapest forms of electricity.

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To refuse access to these contracts will 
result in a marked slowdown in investment and a decrease in employment.

As we know, renewable energy reduces greenhouse gases that are causing climate change.

There are several energy companies out there who are also investing in green gas.

Why then, is our Government turning its back on renewable energy and pushing fracking on the British people when they have clearly voted in district and county councils that they do not want this unsafe, untested industry?

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We have elected political representatives that are not representing the majority of the people in this country.

Tens of thousands of wells are to be drilled, with no social licence over pristine countryside.

Reports coming out of other countries show that the toxic cocktail of water and chemicals injected at high pressure contaminates the water, air and land, with disastrous results on the health of animals, humans and crops, not to mention tourism.

Australia has now decided to ban it. Scotland and Wales have a moratorium, I believe.

Jenny Gardner

Via email

Adopt from a sanctuary

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With many sanctuaries full with animals waiting patiently for a new loving home, may I please ask readers who are thinking of adopting a new pet to make these havens their first port of call.

By adopting from a sanctuary you are helping not one but two animals, as rehoming one means there is space for another unfortunate creature to come and have the chance of finding a new home.

Please understand these animals have lost their home through no fault of their own. Their owner could have died or become too ill to look after them or were made homeless and their new home does not allow pets. Sadly, they could have been cruelly abandoned.

All rescue pets settle in to a new home if they are loved, and will reward you with unconditional love for the rest of their life.

Josephine Harwood

Address supplied

There’s Life After Stroke

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I write to urge your readers to consider nominating a stroke survivor for the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, a charity for which I am a patron.

I am certain every one of your readers could nominate an inspiring stroke survivor, or a person who supports stroke survivors, for much-deserved acknowledgement.

Just like many of your readers, I know how a stroke can turn a life upside down in an instant.

In 2009, I went to bed with a dreadful headache and woke up with no sensation in my left hand and very little feeling in my face. At the hospital, they confirmed that I’d had a stroke. I was unable to return home for three months and even then, I struggled to write and speak. The hardest thing was being told I could never drive again because of my impaired vision. Thanks to the fantastic support I received, I’m still here and that’s what counts.

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The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards celebrate the courage and dedication shown by stroke survivors, carers, volunteers and healthcare professionals who overcome the extra challenges that a stroke brings. I’ve been lucky enough to have been present at the charity’s awards event and have met some exceptional people.

Visit www.stroke.org.uk/what-we-do/life-after-stroke-awards

Hilary Devey CBE