OLD TOWN IS IN DIRE STRAITS

THE heart of Stockport Old Town is in dire straits.

Walking through the Underbanks, a conservation area, I came across lots of criminal activity – graffiti, fly-tipping and the most rampant, fly-posting – on the 22 empty outlets out of the 45 business premises I deemed to count.

There is plenty of non-criminal illegal activity in dozens of A-boards placed on the two block-paved roads and pavements.

Then we have illegal parking. I witnessed the free shuttle bus struggling to get past some cars.

There are plenty of visible signs as to the times when it is allowed/not to load/unload.

The worst though has to be the two decommissioned red phone boxes outside the boarded-up White Lion pub. Or, to be more accurate, two urinals.

Not a very welcome for the hundreds of visitors at the folk festival on St George’s Day.

A total disgrace. Thomas G Dunn Address supplied

Before the recent heavy rains I travelled along the Middlewood Way. The stretch for approximately half-a-mile either side of the tunnel under the A6 was quite difficult for cyclists, pedestrians needed wellingtons, and as far as wheelchairs and children’s pushchairs were concerned it was a no-go area.

We are all very aware of the severe financial problems our council is facing, with more bad news yet to come.

Yet if we cannot maintain Stockport’s premier bridleway then how can we have enough money to build a new one, let alone find funds for its upkeep. CW Hamilton Romiley list of examples of misuse that the council can act upon, which I won’t list here but am sure the council should be aware of.

So, come on Stockport Council, get your finger-out and take action in support of your tax-paying citizens. Amanda Greaves Address supplied