Dear Sir,
I attended the meeting of Aycliffe Council Recreation Committee on Wednesday night. A statement was read out that had been circulated earlier in the day and hi lighted the main issue was around traffic regulations that had been brought to their attention following last years Christmas Eve tour by an ex police officer.
I asked the question if it had been brought to their attention after last years tour why had it taken the council until 2 months before Christmas to say anything about it. The answer we were given is that the Recreation Committee don’t discuss the Christmas Eve tours until after the Summer break. Some of the councillors in the room were only made aware of the traffic regulations problem 2 weeks ago. Then Bill Blenkinsopp made it perfectly clear that the tours would go ahead but in a different format (who voted this man in when he has no loyalty to his constituents). As you can imagine we weren’t happy with his response.
The way I see it is . . . If in January this had been discussed, The Police contacted and the public asked to help we wouldn’t be in this position. The solution is quite simple, we need 2/3 more routes to make sure all areas are covered. I’m sure there are businesses on our Industrial Estate that have suitable trucks that they would be happy to loan the council for a couple of days. Why not have each route sponsored by a business (not stupid money even £100 per truck) this will keep the cost down but allow the tours to continue. Publicly ask for volunteers to help. Involve the residents, keep us informed, let us help. As with everything organisation is key to the success of any project.
Liz Lambert
Wakenshaw Drive
