Now, I appreciate that he is a Liberal Democrat, but in no way does this excuse his irresponsible, law-breaking behaviour. The law is quite clear on this issue: it is illegal to cycle on the pavement, except on a clearly designated cycle lane.

Pavement riding cyclists are a menace, so full marks to the local police for cracking down on these law breakers.

If Councillor Woods and his ilk don't agree with the law, then they should do the obvious and lobby to have it changed.

Until then, I would recommend that the leader sets an example to the rest of the citizens of Northampton and sticks to riding his bike on the road.
Brian Paling,
Chapel Lane,
Flore.

So, where do us pedestrians go?
I felt I had to write following the article on cyclists riding on pavements.

As a pedestrian, I fully agree with Richard Edmondson's comments but Matt Shipley's views left me speechless.

Where on earth does he suggest pedestrians walk while he is cycling "safely" on the pavement?

When I was at school, we were told it was illegal to cycle on pavements, although I've never established if this is actually true, and I think imposing fines is way overdue.

It is also beyond me why cyclists who do ride on the road all seem to wear dark clothing and have no lights.

Surely it is common sense to make yourself as visible as possible, especially as the current sunset time is around 6.30pm.

I have no problem with cyclists generally, but do wish they would ride on the roads and, as Richard said, wear helmets and something fluorescent, for everyone's sake.
Lucy Bell,
Obelisk Rise, Northampton.

Sad and angry at hospital delays
The article in the Chron relating to Northampton Primary Care Trust's emergency rating is, I believe, a true result.

I am well aware that many people have a satisfactory stay and treatment at our local hospital.

But what if you are at the other end of the scale, where things are not as wonderful and it leaves a devastating effect on the patient and family?

I have a granddaughter who has profound health disabilities and therefore is a regular patient at the hospital, and lots of times in an emergency situation.

Up until the last six months, I can say the care she has always had has been of the utmost standard but in this latest period of time this has not, in my opinion, been the case.

Eight weeks ago she was admitted as an emergency and, after a long delay, was transferred to Oxford Children's Hospital. She has now lost her sight.

From a child that was happy and smiling all the time she has become very frightened and has panic attacks, does not sleep at night any more and smiles are rare.

She is, at present, hospitalised in Northampton again.

The nurses are wonderful! My concerns, though, are still great as things seem so bad.

She is on a monitor and it was the third one they tried that worked; thermometers were not working; two beds she was in had faulty cot sides . . . the list goes on. Yet the article in the Chron the other evening said how proud the hospital was to be £4 million in the black. What is going on?

I do believe that patients' lives are being put at risk. Nurses are pushed to the limits and beyond.

Our confidence is at a low ebb and I have stated this strongly and this was relayed to the clinical director and a message received back, saying politely but basically: if you are not happy you have the choice to use another hospital.

But we don't. If our granddaughter's condition is an emergency, we cannot risk her life driving miles to another hospital.

I understand many people have good experiences and care but if this happened to a member of their family, I am sure they would be feeling as we do: sad and angry and wanting answers as to how this was allowed to happen.
Gisela Bell,
Loxton Close, Northampton.

A Northampton General Hospital spokesperson said: We are very sorry to hear about Mrs Bell's concerns regarding the care of her granddaughter and would welcome the chance to discuss those concerns in more detail.

If Mrs Bell could contact our head of patient advice and liaison, Eileen Ingram, on 01604 545784, we will do our best to address any issues she wishes to raise with us.

We should also make clear that the recent Chronicle & Echo article referred to Northamptonshire Primary Care Trust being "£4 million in the black" and not Northampton General Hospital.

Similarly, the emergency care rating referred to was for the Primary Care Trust as a whole, including other hospitals, GP out-of-hours and ambulance services, and not solely NGH.

Why I object to school plans
I wish to register my disquiet at the planning application of the sports development and licensed bar within the Thomas Becket RC Upper School, Northampton.

While I do not object to additional sporting facilities for the use of the school pupils, I do object, very strongly object, to the multitude additional traffic squeezing through the very narrow entrance in Becket Way at all times of the day and night; also the implication of alcoholic consumption on a school premises (especially a religious school).

Traffic in Becket Way, between Kettering Road and the school gates, is horrendous mornings and afternoons, when pupils are being ferried to and from the school.

As a local resident, I have to time my journeys to and from my home to avoid the traffic congestion.

This situation would be unmanageable if this level of traffic was upheld all through the day and night.

If traffic is to be kept to a minimum, would the Sports Company wish to run a business if their patrons could not easily get to the premises?
I cannot object strongly enough about the sale of alcohol in a school complex.

I don't care that the proposers of this application will say that there will be no disruption, no increase in vandalism and crime because of the availability of alcohol.

This is a load of rubbish.

Noise levels will increase, drink driving incidents will increase, rubbish levels and vandalism in local areas will increase, crime against local properties will increase and access for local residents to and from their homes will be a nightmare.

No doubt, we will then probably have to face an increase in council tax to supply additional services required to pay to correct the above.

If this application is rejected, and I sincerely hope it is, then this quiet little community can carry on with its life as we wish to do.
Mrs S Simons,
Becket Way, Northampton.

Toxic racism
There is nothing more foul than racism, regardless of which way it flows.

The possible exception is the playing of the "race card" by any ethnic group in order to gain unfair, self-serving advantage.

There are those that view such behaviour as the most toxic form of racism and which should therefore merit extreme punishment within the law.
Joe Castello,
Earl Street, Northampton.