Tuesday's letters

Referendum features becoming clearer

SIR – In a most interesting article written by John Petley for the Campaign for an Independent Britain. He believes that in spite of much speculation in the press it is highly unlikely that the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU will be held in 2017. However we can be more confident about the wording of the question. The European Referendum Bill was published last week and has had its first reading.
A report on the Battle for Britain will be published and David Cameron’s visits to other EU countries taking place show how some features of referendum are already obvious. As expected Mr Cameron’s referendum reform agenda is minimalist. Clearly his aim is to proclaim his reforms a success.
Now that the Referendum Bill is been announced, Britain Out will be organising a series of Action Days. The first of these took place on Friday, June 5 – the 40th Anniversary of the 1975 European Referendum. The campaign to remain “In” the EU in the coming referendum has powerful built-in advantages over the ‘Out’. The “In” campaign has access to far greater financial and government resources. This voice has the support of much of the ruling and political establishments including the EU appararatus.
Some of our supporters have expressed concern that invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which is the EU’s intention and designed to ensnare countries and ensure that departure from the EU is impossible.
A letter from Lord Tebbitt to Edward Heath referring to “Generations Betrayed” would seem to summarise people's worries; he advises “just remember” and his tone is redolent of Sir Winston Chruchill’s exhortations to the British people at the start of WW2.
WENDY HANDS
Upton-upon-Severn

Bromyard Road changes overdue
SIR – Very many years ago I together with some friends attended a council exhibition held in the Methodist Chapel in Bromyard Road where plans were displayed of the proposed changes in Bromyard Road.
There were city council and their advising agency there so a full and frank discussion was possible.
They all came hopelessly underprepared – they did not even have existing or expected traffic flows.
We strongly suggested to them exactly what you have featured in the Worcester News.

One way – Bromyard Road east from Watery Lane.
One way – South along St Johns.
One way – West along Bransford Road.
One way – North Watery Lane.

Although we were assured that this proposal would be investigated we were never even contacted.
All we then had were more lights and crossings, more stopping and starting of vehicles with associated air pollution.
And all this for £8 million, I believe.
I remember that one prominent councillor referred to this scheme as Bromyard Road Rapid Transit Corridor. Had come when the council simply claimed this?
Finally we note that Derek Prodger was involved in taking evidence for the review.
A strange decision really as he, I believe, was one of the leading lights behind the massive expenditure here.
Just think how much expense and aggravation this proposal would have saved.
BILL ROWE
Worcester

UKIP has existed in Worcester for years

SIR – In response to the ridiculous letter from Owen Cleary [ Worcester News – May 28 ]
I was Chairman of the Worcester Branch of UKIP for several years. During this time I received a request to help out in the Mid Worcestershire Branch of UKIP which was about to close down due to lack of support. I agreed to do this but only if the two branches were combined and a new branch was formed. This took place and the new combined branch was formed under the name Worcester and District. After a great deal of effort this new branch was able to be split again into the original two branches.
It was then that the Worcester Branch was renamed as Worcester City Branch.
If Mr Cleary did not know this then he has proved to be unworthy of being chairman. UKIP has existed in Worcester for many years not just two years!
My letter to which Mr Cleary was referring made it quite clear that there were only two possible winners at the Worcester constituency General Election. The Labour candidate was against an EU referendum whereas Robin Walker supported a referendum. The UKIP candidate was never likely to win but he may have attracted sufficient Conservative votes to let the Labour candidate win. Putting the question in a very simple way, does Mr Cleary want a referendum or not?
My advice to all those members of the UKIP Worcester City Branch is to elect a chairman who does his research fully before writing to the local press.
Finally, the reason UKIP was formed was to demand a referendum on our membership of the EU. This is now going to happen.
If the result of the referendum is to stay in the EU then will UKIP accept this? My own view is that provided all the facts are known to the electorate then the result, whichever way, should be accepted by all sides.
There should be no second vote!
CARL HUMPHRIES
Worcester

It all beggars belief

SIR – This beggars belief, so now we have to pay for the incompetence of the county council highways people because the council forgot to finish the ring road.
After the Ketch island and the Whittington island fiasco, I think its about time certain people stood down.
I honestly can’t believe what I am reading.
JOHN MATTHEWS
Worcester

Advert made me laugh

SIR – In reply to Wendy Hands re: moneysupermarket.com.
I love this advert. I am in my 90s and it makes me laugh.
The young man looks as if he is enjoying himself.
JOAN HANSON
Worcester