Last updated 09:50, Friday, 25 July 2008

THE residents of Rickergate in Carlisle read with a certain amount of relief the comments of the new chairman of the Carlisle Renaissance Board, Bryan Gray, about how they are rethinking the plans to revitalise the city (The Cumberland News, July 18) and how knocking things down may never happen because it’s not sensible.

Crafted: Tom Sowerby’s overcoat worn by the late Joe Ivinson

However, what we do not want to happen is for the plans to demolish parts or the whole of Rickergate to be shelved for the time being due to the economic climate. We want the deliberate blighting of this area to be removed from the council’s agenda.

I also take issue with Mr Gray’s comments that the city is not appreciated by people who live here or visit. More than at any time in the past, groups are forming all over the city to fight for what they think would be best for their communities. What they all have in common is the overwhelming sense that they are not being consulted or listened to and that there is a distinct lack of openness and transparency in the governance of our city.

The residents of Rickergate heard this week of the plans to do away with the free-parking space in Corporation Road.

What are these people thinking of? Do they want even more small businesses to go under? If it’s made too difficult, shoppers will go to the out-of-town supermarkets.

Also, why, when council workers are striking for a more liveable wage and posts within the council are being deleted, is Carlisle City Council considering yet another feasibility study? Fifty thousand pounds was earmarked this week for a feasibility study to look into handing over the governance of Tullie House to a trust.

But this is at a time when the media is full of news about how all those associated with the Arts are having real difficulty in getting funding from anyone.

The reasons being given is that there are an increasing number of trusts being formed to access a dwindling amount of funding.

JULIE TEMPLETON
Save Our Streets
Corporation Road
Carlisle