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Our address to post it to is: Postbag, Rugby Advertiser, 2 Albert Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2RS.

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Dismay over Rupert Brooke House

THE chairman, Neil Maybin of Richmond, Surrey, and the members of the Rupert Brooke Society are dismayed to learn that 5, Hillmorton Road, the birthplace of the poet, which is owned by the borough council, has been offered for sale.
This is in spite of the fact that it was purchased by the council specifically to be developed as a literary centre and tourist attraction to commemorate the life and works of both Brooke and other famous Warwickshire writers (Rugby Advertiser, August 2).
One has learned that the council does not consider the idea economically viable.
It is a late decision to have come to after having let the house for several years. It seems that there is a failure of political will here, and if the original project truly is not financially viable, that is something the council should have thought of before they bought the house. In fact, three years ago, they paid a premium of some £3,000 over the then market price in order to persuade the owner to sell.
Whatever the cause of the failure of the scheme as originally proposed, we - as a literary society devoted to the poet and his works - cannot feel anything but the deepest disappointment at the council’s failure to develop this potential asset for the town. It was to have been a source of literary infomation for visitors and a place of instruction for school children.
It should be emphasised that at no time did the borough council see fit to consult our society, who only came to learn of this transaction at the time of our AGM, here in Rugby, on August 18. The Rupert Brooke Society is a national literary society based at Grantchester, Cambridge, but also having firm associations with Rugby and Rugby School as the home of the poet. Members were shocked at the Society having been kept in the dark, and expressed considerable indignation at the way the original project had been administered.

Peter Miller,
President of the Rupert Brooke Society,
Clifton Road,
Rugby.


Display are blooming marvellous!

I KNOW through your letters page of the people's appreciation of Rugby's floral display.
However, I wanted to express my true amazement at the skills of the workforce in making the wonderful displays last for so long. I would love to learn the secret.
The containers are still getting bigger and bigger, especially those that hang on the centre rails of Corporation Street.
How do they still look so magnificent after the constant buffeting caused by the traffic?
My petunias have been lovely, but are pathetic now.
Is ‘Surfinia’ one of the secrets? I would, through your paper, like to thank Mr. Beasley and all his dedicated staff for making the streets of Rugby and districts bring so much pleasure and admiration to and from the many people.
They surpass by far, any that I have seen any where else.
Just simply wonderful.

Patricia Wyatt,
Livingstone Avenue West,
Long Lawford.


I’M SURE I am only one of many who would just like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the staff of the Parks Department of RBC for the wonderful flower displays in the town.
They really are a joy to behold and, whether we win the Britain in Bloom awards or not, the colourful arrangements and beautiful and varied colour schemes have brought a lot of pleasure to very many people.
Rugby is looking good this year!

Mrs. A. Carbury,
Address supplied.

I MUST write and congratulate Rugby Borough Council parks, for the beautiful displays all round Rugby, especially Corporation Street, and the park.
They seem to get bigger every week.
My husband would love to know what they feed them on.
Well done you hard workers.

A and M Burrell,
Worcester Street,
Rugby.


So much for our ‘free’ National Health Service!

WHILST I say more power to the elbow for the groups trying to save our hospital I am afraid things are going from bad to worse.
First we lost our maternity services (which is not a great loss to me these days). This means that almost all our children are Coventarians.
Then more importantly we lost our children’s wards.
We have just lost our path labs.
I must not be poorly after 7pm or off to Walsgrave I go. Even if I arrive in the middle of the night I still have to pay for parking.
This parking charge is a disgrace.
Who came up with a private financial deal that meant you had to fleece your customers and staff to pay to see your doctor or consultant?
So much for our free National Health Service.
As for saving money what happens now when I go for a blood test? Until recently I walked in picked up a supermarket ticket, waited until my number came up and went in.
That was too simple. We now have to go a desk manned mostly by two ladies with two brand new computers who take your details who then give you the supermarket ticket like I had before?
And I sit and wait. Some saving.

Keith Judge,
Chapel Street,
Long Lawford.


I would be interested to know why, if St. Cross Hospital isn't under threat of closure, I have twice within the past six months, been referred to alternative and inconvenient units.
My GP wanted an ultra-sound and on the basis of 'use it or lose it' I specifically asked to go to St. Cross.
The scan took weeks rather than days to arrange and it was at Walsgrave - I queried the location and was given no satisfactory answer, and although the doctor who did the test appeared proficient enough the 'come day, go day' attitude in reception was lamentable.
When I was due for a mammogram I again expected an appointment at the comfortable and pleasant unit in Barby Road, I was offered Nuneaton, Coventry and, perhaps the most surprising venue of all, a mobile unit in the Tesco car park at Old Milverton.
I found none of these to be particularly convenient, and settled for the least inconvenient, many women would simply skip the whole procedure, not withstanding the fact that mammography is lauded as a life-saver.
Again I asked why not St. Cross, 'We don't use that facility anymore.' and again I found that an unsatisfactory answer.
I am not of the school that believes that all hospitals should be kept open irrespective of their use to the community, and I have had my personal criticisms of St. Cross, but I firmly believe that services there are being cut back in order that it can be closed in the future and the reason given will be 'insufficient use'.
I'd love to be wrong, but I reckon that's the hidden agenda.

Jackie Hinks,
Main Street,
Frankton.



You were right about tip closure

SO the Rugby Advertiser was right forseeing the problems about the closure of the Rugby refuse tip.
The 'improvements' of the site at Stockton have been woefully inadequate and behind schedule (the main sign for the entrance at Stockton being propped up against a pallet).
Travelling past the site this week vehicles were parked on the side of the main A426 causing myself and other drivers to cross the double solid white lines.
How long will it be before there is an accident?

Mike Cleaver
Edyvean Close
Rugby.


I am an ardent supporter of Butcher's products

I AM incensed at the articles, comments and letters against the proposed Butcher’s Pet Care factory at Coton Park - or Brownsover, as it will always be known to us Rugbeians born in the borough.
As an ardent supporter and user of Butcher’s products, I cannot believe they would propose to build a factory at the detriment of anyone in the Rugby area - especially given the links the family have had with Rugby over the years.
My father used to buy half a pig at a time from the Bakers at the cattle market in the 60s and 70s.
As a supporter of animal rights, I am aware Butcher’s Pet Care is probably the most ethical pet food company in this country today - unlike the majority of the pet companies they do not carry out intrusive and/or painful animal testing, their products do not contain chemicals or additives and they are still classed as a family company.
I doubt the likes of Stena can claim such a worthwhile heritage. Indeed, if they are prepared to move away without considering the truth of the matter, what does that say for their corporation values - or indeed their commitment to Rugby?
I was suprised at the comments from Roy Mason, general manager of Morgan Ceramics - has he chosen to forget the stench which used to emanate from their factory in St. Peter’s Road?
not affected
Perhaps the factory they now operate from was designed to eliminate odours and to use state of the art technology to ensure residents are not affected?
Oh, wait a moment, isn’t that EXACTLY what Butcher’s Pet Care are saying they have done?
As for Grant Scott from Coton Park Residents Association trying to raise support by saying pork residue will be raining down on Muslims, this is bigotry at the worst level.
Is he aware this headline has been discussed on the internet by extremist anti-Muslim groups in both the UK and America - including the British National Party?
Mr. Moran, co-chair of CPRA, referred to Butcher’s in a recent letter as the ‘offal-burning factory’ four times.
Obviously a man of few words and even less capacity for understanding the processes involved.
Like Mr. Walker, I attended the exhibition at the Holiday Inn and have also read four or five statements in the local paper from Butcher’s stating (and in their own words, re-iterating) that they do not burn any materials.
As a long-standing pet owner, I can assure Mr. Moran, I have never fed my dogs a can of ash which is clearly what he expects to be produced!
I note the plans for the 100 foot balloon tower in the town centre have been put on hold for now - is this because CPRA is finally running out of hot air?
From recent articles, they are the ones with questionable emissions!
Perhaps the initials of the group should be rearranged...

Karen Reed,
Address supplied.


People will be hit by bus changes

I AM writing to add my voice to the concerns of the residents on the Glebe estate who will be adversely affected by the proposed changes to the local bus service in September.
Geoff Barker, together with other residents are absolutely correct to speak out in defence of their local services.
Those with limited mobility will face difficulties if the proposals go ahead.
We have already had to contend with an erosion of services including a decrease in buses to the Hospital of St. Cross.
We all understand the consequences of a profit-led public transport system.
In my view, the larger buses that will be employed should be in addition to the existing service. Newbold is one of the poorest served routes. The last bus to and from town is 6.25pm Monday to Saturday and are non-existent on Sundays. Why is this?
From a broader perspective, the Government claims that we must cut carbon emissions?
Think globally, act locally is their mantra.
Ten tonnes of carbon dioxide are emitted per person per year - 25 billion tonnes globally ref: New Statesman October 2006.
I have no doubt that greater numbers of people would use public transport if only it were more efficient, affordable and effectively co-ordinated.

Lorna Dunleavy,
Morris Close,
Newbold.