LETTERS TO EDITOR:- "SEFTON COUNCIL PARKING FINE RIP-OFF"

"I live in Cheshire and was visiting Southport on mothers day for a family meal. I parked the car in a layby on Neville St. There was a sign nearby advising of the restriction on parking times, It did not have any mention of Sunday restrictions and I assumed it was ok. On my return sure enough there was a parking fine on my window,£30 IF YOU PAY UP IN 14 DAYS. There was a loading bay sign painted on the floor. I have made further enquiries about this spot and find that alot of other people have also fallen foul of this trap, making Sefton Council several hundred ponds a day. I did bye the way purchase a ticket for 4 hours parking. Hoping you will help to high light this unjustified rip off to the honest motorist just looking for a parking spot and willing to pay for that privilege." Mrs Jean Rudd.

Conventional postal delivery service problems

THIS year the conventional postal delivery services are living up to the term snail mail, but sadly even if you order online, post is still often an issue. As regional airports now getting stock to retailers, home deliveries failing at ‘last mile’ according to Tony O’Keefe, Industrial Director at the Manchester office of global real estate services firm DTZ. “Many of the problems highlighted so far across the country have been at airports, with Heathrow being especially affected. However, the ongoing issues at the larger airports are unlikely to affect the majority of freight deliveries, as a significant proportion of these come through the Midlands and many of the regional airports have remained open. Mail and parcel delivery firms rely more heavily on some regional airports, such as East Midlands Airport, for freight deliveries as many are open 24 hours a day – unlike Heathrow. Therefore, we anticipate that freight and parcels will arrive at airports roughly on time, but may be delayed at the last hurdle of delivery as firms struggle with uncleared suburban routes across the country. Despite the weekend’s heavy snowfall, retailers are not experiencing significant problems on the main roads which have, for the most part, been cleared, although they are experiencing delays. However, local stores and online retailers may continue to experience severe delays as they struggle to make ‘last mile’ deliveries because of uncleared roads in residential areas. As a result, with more snow forecast this week, there are real concerns over whether or not last minute online shoppers will receive their goods in time for Christmas. Keen to help distributors overcome the challenges presented by the weather in the North West are landlords such as Highcross Strategic Advisers, which has over one million sq ft of available accommodation in the region. They are prepared to offer flexible licence agreements to assist in any temporary storage requirements during the current winter season.” said Tony O’Keefe. But the storage does not solve the biggest issue, getting a delivery before Christmas!

Boxing Day Game Re-scheduled

DESPITE the best efforts of the ground staff at the Stobart Stadium Halton who have put down ground sheets and proactively monitored the pitch throughout this continued spell of bad weather, unfortunately they have had to admit defeat and declare the pitch unsuitable for the ‘James Edwards Land Rover Challenge’ between the Vikings and Warrington Wolves originally scheduled for Sunday, 26 December 2010. However, a contingency plan has been agreed between the two clubs and stadium management with the game now set to take place at the Stobart Stadium Halton on Sunday, 2 January 2010, at 3.00pm (weather permitting). Any tickets purchased for the original date are still valid for the re-arranged game, with refunds also available at the point of purchase for anyone not able to attend. Both clubs apologise for any inconvenience this rescheduling may cause.

CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR CHARITY

A charity has received an early Christmas present thanks to a Winsford woman and Arriva North West.

The bus company asked Sarah Nancollas, to nominate a charity to receive £250 after she was named the regional winner of the Double Decorations competition their website.  Sarah chose Epilepsy Action to receive the cash, and has also won £250 of supermarket vouchers.

A virtual Christmas tree was created on:- arrivabus.co.uk for the Double Decorations competition, and customers in Liverpool were urged to add their own decorations and messages to be in with a chance of winning both prizes.

Debra Mercer, marketing manager for Arriva North West, said:- “Double Decorations was created to give something back to our customers over the festive season to thank them for their continued support.

Thousands of people entered into the Christmas spirit and filled our tree with merry messages and delightful decorations.

Epilepsy Action is a very worthy charity, and we are delighted to be helping their cause this Christmas.”

Louise Whalley from Epilepsy Action said:- “This money will make a real difference to us in the work we do so we would like to thank Arriva and Sarah for this generous donation.”

Arriva's website contains information about bus services to and from some of the UK’s major shopping centres, and timetables over Christmas and the New Year. Day Saver tickets start at just:- £2.60.