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Your say online, August

This is the place for users of Hemeltoday to have their say online. Have your say on local news, local issues or the national issues.

To enter into the debate click here to have your say or scroll down to see what others are saying.

Samantha Taylor

Waveney

Grovehill

Hemel Hempstead

Grovehill family fun day - what a let down, it can only be described as abysmal.

We arrived for the fun filled day at 10am which was to continue until 3pm to be greated by nothing apart from a gazebo, and two very nice guys to help the kids with footbal and cricket.

I had arranged with friends to meet there at 10am with our children for a fun packed day.

We sat and waited for the action and fun to start. Nothing.

We entertained ourselves and our children with what activities we could.

There were no toilets, no fun and no organisation. What the hell are we paying our rates for as this was orgainised by Dacourum Borough Council.

Where was it advertised, I only got to hear from a friend who doesn't live in Grovehill but I do.

We as parents felt this was a let-down and disgrace. I think the only fun part was the packing up to go home.

Name and address

supplied

Seeing as how the government is snooping around every house in the country in order to determine whether one has a view eg overlooks fields, a river,a golf course, a park, has double glazing or a conservatory, or enjoys a special amenity eg outside bus stop, school or shops nearby, just so as council tax can be raised, will we get a reduction if we lose any of this as a result of a traveller site and are surrounded by social housing, no doubt for young single mothers.

It is a known fact that when traveller's sites are nearby property values drop, some even becoming unsellable therefore surely a reduction, not increase in council tax should follow.

This is not being racist this is a recognised national statistic.

D Strongitharm

Gadebridge Road

Hemel Hempstead

I am writing to tell you of an incident that happened to me recently.

I am an elderly lady of 84 and had just got off a bus in Gadebridge Road when I tripped and fell heavily and hit my head on the ground. Immediately two young lads came running over to ask if they could be of assistance. Then a young girl came over and phoned for an ambulance. They then stayed with me until it arrived and it came within a few minutes and the medics treated me inside the vehicle.

I felt I had to write and say a big thank you to all concerned.

Young people get such a bad press these days and these youngsters could not have been much kinder. It just proves that there are many around who don't get the recognition they deserve.

Name and address

supplied

I write to draw your attention to the bus shelter adjacent to Adeyfield Park on Longlands, Adeyfield.

A moron or a group of morons are raging a sustained and relentless campaign against the shelter and have smashed glass in it on at least seven occasions over the last few months.

Every time the glass is repaired it is guaranteed that within 48 hours it is smashed again. There are currently five smashed panes of glass in the shelter.

The said morons are clearly not going to give up their campaign against the shelter so I wonder if who ever owns it could look at installing CCTV or plastic screens instead of glass panes as a way of stopping this mindless vandalism.

David W Jones

St Agnells Lane

Hemel Hempstead

Regarding your article in The Gazette (August 12) about former soldier Stephen Shailer, our son was in the same position as the ex-army man.

He worked his 12 month notice from the army. He wished to leave to start a family, which he and his wife agreed that they could not do whilst he could be sent anywhere in the world at short notice.

He joined up when he was 16 and did two tours of

duty in Ireland, four months in Iraq and six months in

Afganistan putting his life on the line for his country.

The council told the pair that they could not put their names on the housing list until he had his demob date.

As soon as he had his leaving date they went to the council.

When he had left the army, the couple again went to Dacorum Borough Council, but was told that nothing could be done re housing them.

The only way that they could get accomodation without renting privately was to re-join the forces.

I think that it is disgusting that people born in Hemel Hempstead, and have put their lives in danger through active service for Queen and country cannot be housed.

This is an issue that needs urgent consideration.

Please look after our lads.

James Beeton

Springfield Road

Hemel Hempstead

Former soldiers should be treated the same as anyone else when applying for council housing.

I returned to Hemel Hempstead almost 20 years ago after 22 years of military service, and one thing that was made clear to all serving

soldiers during that time was the need to get your name on a housing list at the earliest opportunity.

Had Mr Shailer done this he would almost certainly have been at or near the top of the waiting list and would not have been facing this problem now.

It also seems strange to me that someone should leave after 20 years of service when, after a further two years they could receive a much larger resettlement grant and an immediate army pension.

Although I have every sympathy with his predicament, I don't think, having left the army, he would find it that easy to rejoin.

The only time when ex-servicemen should be entitiled to special priority is if they hae had to leave the forces due to injury or illness.

Name and address

supplied Berkhamsted

I wholeheartedly endorse Hugh Thomson's concerns, published in The Gazette (August 19), about the drastic changes that could take place in Berkhamsted, if Dacorum Borough Council's (DBC) proposals in the current Emerging Core Strategy consultation are carried forward.

In particular I would like to take up the point that a large proportion of residents in the town are completely unaware of its existence.

I understand that very few people received the DBC consultation letter in time to attend the one and only 'drop in' session at the Civic Centre Berkhamsted on July 14, with only a few more

receiving notification after this date, leaving the vast majority of residents not having received any communication at all.

At the time of the Site Allocation consultation during November/December 2008, I was assured that all respondents to that consultation would be included on the DBC database for future mailings.

The DBC clearly have not honoured this undertaking.

Moreover the timing of this consultation, right in the middle of the holiday season, severely reduces the time and opportunity for residents to respond.

The implications of the Emerging Core Strategy have a potentially devastating impact on the residents of Berkhamsted and to be denied the chance of participating in this way is deplorable.

The whole communication process appears in total contradiction to the DBC Corporate Statement 'Your Dacorum Your Say'.

Residents have until 4.45pm on August 28 to register, by obtaining two questionnaires from DBC on 01442 228660 or online www.dacorum.aov.uk/planning

Each person per household will be counted individually.

John Godfrey

Chesham Road

Wigginton

I'm intrigued that The Gazette (August 19) revisited the council's aborted attempt to privatise many of its services in 2002 and by the suggestion that the abortive costs of 700,000 had only just emerged.

I was an employee at the time and recall that the costs of this folly were widely questioned.

I wrote many letters to the Gazette on the subject and participated in UNISON action, including strikes, protesting about the plans. I recall also the Gazette articles and photographs arising from these.

Perhaps the Gazette thinks it's apt timing, given the council's current plans to bulldoze through plans to hand over its housing stock to another organisation - which also seem likely to be abortive.

The council has failed before to convince tenants of the wisdom of such plans and now the government has signalled a change in their policy which would allow councils to retain much more of their housing revenues.

Tenants I know also complain about the decline in the housing repair service, despite soaring costs, since it was contracted to a private company. The chief officers from 2002 are long gone, but many of the councillors remain and they still seem driven more by their dogmatic principles than the need to deliver the very modest demands of its residents.They should pull the plug now on the housing stock transfer and any other fanciful ideas. I don't want to read in another seven years' time that vast amounts of our money had been wasted in 2009.

Kevin Clarke

Elizabeth Drive

Tring

Being a resident of Tring and a very frequent visitor to the nearby refuse centre I still cannot believe it's going to close in October.

Every time I visit there are always queues of cars streaming in and out and this only serves to remind that all these users are going to have to go elsewhere - but where?

They either have the choice of travelling six miles to Berkhamsted's over-used site or the new site at Aston Clinton which may still not accept other counties' waste or if they do I am being told by the operators at Tring that they will probably charge 5 every time you visit. It's ironic to think that one of the reasons apparently for closing Tring down was to stop other counties using it, so guess what we lose out twice.

As if that isn't bad enough another reason they want to close it is so they can give the land over for 'travellers' to use.

So let's get this clear, we lose our site, we then have to travel to Aston Clinton and pay for something we already pay for through our council tax and then have to worry about the consequencies of having travellers on our doorsteps when we return.

If this is what happens I think every resident in Tring is entitled to a rebate at least on their council tax, if they take away a valuable service (one of the few we really need) they should reflect that in our billing.

The reality is they will still have the cheek to put up our tax when it comes around.

This isn't on, we must make a stand. These idiots are treating us with contempt and fleecing us at the same time.

For those of you who love going to our local beauty spots like Ivinghoe Beacon, make the most of it until they disappear under a pile of fly tipping. Guess who ultimately pays to clear that up?

Heather P

Nr Aston Clinton

I work in a first-floor office in the old High Street in Hemel and regularly have to step over pools of vomit in the alley-way next to our carpark. As these brainless morons who roll out of the pubs, then guzzle take-aways don't have the presence of mind to use the drains or gutters, our working environment is unpleasant to say the least. Monday morning was the worst I had ever seen it, so I rang DBC who logged the request. This morning (Tuesday) a man with a van turned up and jetwashed the whole area, so many thanks to him and the council for prompt action

Jennifer McGrattan-Glenister

Lorraine Ave. Cobourg On. Can K9A 4J7

Email: brett.jen@cogeco.ca

Thank you for printing the article about Corner Hall Memories. My father attended this school from 1952 to 1956. He moved here, to Canada, in 1960. We came across your article when we were searching the internet. It was wonderful to hear his stories about the school, the teachers, his friends and a little about the mischief he got into. Thank you for touching our hearts all the way over here in Canada.

Ian B Reilly

12 Arran View

Largs Ayrshire

Scotland

I hope that your readers may be able to help me in my search for information on my late uncle.

He left Glasgow after WW2 and never made contact with his family again.

Sadly I discovered he died in September 1989 in Hemel Hemstead.

His name was John Reilly born 23/1/1913 in Glasgow.

During the war he served in Italy with the Parachute Regiment.

He was a hairdresser and was married to Isobel Hall. To the best of my knowledge they had no children.

I believe that Isobel had a twin sister who had children.

The last known address I have for my uncle was 47 Malvern Way Hemel Hempstead. I would appreciate if

anyone could give me

information on my late uncle's life.

Sylvia Brown

London Road

Boxmoor

Hemel Hempstead

On Wednesday, July 29, I was on the train which left Euston at about 4pm bound for Hemel Hempstead.

As it approached Hemel I collapsed. Apparently some kind passengers caught me before I hit the floor and layed me down.

I came to, to find that a thoughtful person had put their coat under my head and that an off-duty police woman and a gentleman were looking after me, taking it in turns to fan me until an ambulance arrived from Watford.

This obviously took time and the train was delayed until the ambulance staff entered the carriage, lifted me into their chair and took me to hospital.

During the wait no-one in the carriage complained about the delay, they just seemed concerned about me.

I am so grateful to the two people who took such good care of a complete stranger on a train, and thank you. I am very sorry to have made so many people late for appointments or getting home that day. I have also come to the conclusion that this is a great country!

My thanks, too, to the wonderful ambulance staff and those of Watford Hospital, who got me well enough to come safely home yesterday.

Simon Ffitch

Hog Lane

Ashley Green

I read with interest your article concenring the

Canberra bomber crash in Wigginton in 1957.

Initally I thought the article referred to the Canberra bomber crash in which my mother's first husband, ironically named Leslie Owen Sage Turner (L.O.S.T.), was killed.

In fact his Canberra crashed on Kiln Farm, between Tring and Cholesbury only three or four miles away from Wigginton.

There is still a gap in the hedge where the plane came down.

This crash was also in 1957 and also occurred in fog.

It does seem an extraordinary coincidence that two Canberras crashed in similar circumstances, in roughly the same location and in the same year.

Angela Johnson

Elstree Road

Hemel Hempstead

I am writing regarding the 7,000 shortfall in expected car parking revenue.

I agree with Albert Lee's comments, but I would point out that blue badge holders are not only pensioners.

I have a blue badge because of mobility problems caused by an incurable illness but I am far from pension age. There are a total of 626 spaces in the Water Gardens car park, but only 15 disabled spaces, four of which are useless for wheelchair users like myself.

This is because they don't have the extra space to get a wheelchair out of the car. Why blame blue badge holders for a shortfall in revenue?

When I have parked in the Water Gardens on several occasions recently, all the disabled spaces were full but there were lots of normal spaces free. Does that not say that there is not enough provision for disabled people? Perhaps the answer is to provide three hours' free parking for blue badge holders and then normal charges would be levied.

This is the system used in St Albans council car parks.

Rosemary Harrison

Chenies Court

Hemel Hempstead

FOLLOWING your report on the council facing a 7,000 defict due to blue badge parking, I would ask the nit-wit officer who wrote the report to consider:

1) Where is this officer's disability awareness training? Do you realise you are discrimiating against disabled people? What person who had a disablity blue badge would not give up their parking pass to be disablity free?

2) Parking is a service to be provided not a money-making racket.

3) So parking fines are part of the council budget are they? DBC is expecting the residents to break the law to fill their coffers? What a disgrace they are then!

4) I suggest the officer and his merry crew take a walk around the town to see parking abuse. Try parking your car for a walk on Boxmoor common, it is covered with communter cars, as is Gadebridge Park, all people with good jobs who are not keen to pay for their parking.

I say keep your nose out of a subject you don't understand you officers!

Sally Jones

High St Green

Hemel Hempstead

I must disagree with two points Malcolm Davey makes on the issue of blue badge entitlement.

Mr Davey seems to think he can diagnose whether someone is disabled or not just by looking at them – why is he not working as an advisor to the government on all matters medical?

He could save the country millions on the cost of training doctors and buying diagnostic equipment with his incredible medical powers.

Chronic disability doesn't have to involve a wheelchair or a white stick or some other physical 'badge of honour'. Someone with multiple sclerosis might, for example, not be at the point where they are wheelchair bound but equally they might suffer from such serious fatigue meaning that the little bit of relief they get from preferential parking makes the difference between being housebound and being able to enjoy a little bit of 'normal' life.

Or what about the apparently 'normal' looking person with dementia? Where the blue badge allows their carer to get them out and about, for them both to enjoy a bit of respite?

Mr Davey also claims to be able to assess someone's financial status from the car that they drive.

The fact is, the old banger that perhaps Mr Davey envisages someone with a disability should be driving is the one car you won't see someone disabled in – the difficult access, unreliability and high running costs would make it entirely impractical.

The disability living allowance means that disabled people can choose to use some of their pitiful benefits towards a decent car on the motablity scheme giving them some much needed independence – it doesn't mean just because they have a reasonable car that they have a decent standard of living or cash to burn – it just means that they are prioritising spending their benefits on being able to get around safely and reliably.

I speak from personal experience as the close relative of two people who have suffered the bigotry of passers by who think they have the right to judge without knowing the facts.

So, Mr Davey, next time you spot someone that (in your expert opinion) appears to be both fit and well off enough to be parking and paying, give a little of your imagination over to some of the things you don't know about that person and their circumstances.

Malcolm H Davey

Box Lane

Hemel Hempstead

The issue of blue badge holder car parking raised by the council (The Gazette, July 29) is a sensitive one that needs a radical rethink which goes beyond the concern about lost parking revenues.

Three areas should be reviewed.

1. What is the eligibility for a blue badge, when can it be used and who can use it?

I, like most of us, believe a blue badge entitles a disabled driver to park within easy reach of shops or facilities. Sadly this scheme is widely abused.

Cars displaying the badge are often driven by what appears to be an able bodied person, often with a complement of friends or family. No evident sign of great disability in any of the party.

The use of these badges by those other than the entitled holder is common. I cannot believe the scheme was intended as a means to take a family shopping with free, unrestricted parking.

Whilst the government has talked about a crackdown on forged badges, which may help if it is ever implemented, the various bodies (doctors and councils) responsible for issuing the badges should also be required to review the eligibility and issue clear guidelines as to the terms and conditions of their use.

2. What is the case for free parking?

A random survey of cars displaying blue badges in the town centre clearly demonstrates there is little or no difference in the range and purchase cost of these and cars of those able bodied people. There is little evidence here to indicate a link between disability and poverty.

3. Where should parking be allowed? Whilst we all would accept the premise that genuinely disabled people should have easier access to shops etc it is quite apparent that 'parking anywhere' has become out of control.

A walk down Waterhouse Street one day last week showed that many badge holders' parking is both inconsiderate and often dangerous.

Cars were parked next to bus stops, indeed one car parked in the middle of the stop. Cars are regularly parked along the entrance to the Water Gardens car park. This certainly causes a dangerous obstruction. Buses turning from Marlowes into Bridge Street frequently struggle to inch past cars parked right up to the junction there.

Car parking attendants either do not have the power or the inclination to penalise those cars causing such obstruction. The police seldom appear to bother with these problems.

I believe there is no longer a serious case for free parking. Everyone able bodied or those with disabilities appear to own and drive broadly the same quality of car. Whilst accepting the premise of preferential parking for the genuinely disabled there is no justification for preferential financial benefit as well.

I suggest that there are some areas where even blue badge holders should not be allowed to park. Perhaps an extra colour (it's all the fashion) line in addition to the double yellow should indicate no parking whatsoever.

These are designated areas where congestion caused by car parking is unacceptable and often dangerous.

Whilst no one would wish to undermine the benefit of the scheme I believe there is a feeling that it is widely abused, is patently seen to be unfair and needs reform. And it is not just because the borough council is failing to generate its budgeted revenue.

Rosemary Harrison

Chenies Court, Woodhall Farm

Re: Your report in your paper last week regarding the Council "facing a 7000 defict due to Blue Badge parking", I would ask nit-wit officer who wrote the report to consider the following points:

1) Where is this officers disability awareness training? Do you realise you are discrimiating against Disabled people? What person who had a disablity blue badge would not give up their parking pass to be disablity free?

2) Parking is a service to be provided not a money making racket.

3) So parking fines are part of the Council budget are they? Hemel Council is expecting the residents to break the law to fill their Cofers? What a disgrace they are then!

4) I suggest the officer and his merry crew take a walk around the town to see parking abuse, try parking your car for a walk on Boxmoor common, it is covered with communter cars, as is Gadebridge park. All people with good jobs who are not keen to pay for their parking. Keep your nose out of a subject you don't undertand you officers I say!

Malcolm H Davey

Box Lane

Hemel Hempstead

The issue of blue badge holder car parking raised by the council ( Gazette July 29 ) is a sensitive one that needs a radical rethink which goes beyond the concern about lost parking revenues.

Three areas should be reviewed.

(1) What is the eligibility for a blue badge, when can it be used and who can use it?

I, like most of us, believe a blue badge entitles a disabled driver to park within easy reach of shops or facilities. Sadly this scheme is widely abused. Cars displaying the badge are often driven by what appears to be an able bodied person, often with a compliment of friends or family. No evident sign of great disability in any of the party. The use of these badges by those other than the entitled holder is common. I cannot believe the scheme was intended as a means to take a family shopping with free, unrestricted parking. Whilst the government has talked about a crackdown on forged badges which may help, if it is ever implemented, the various bodies (doctors and councils) responsible for issuing the badges should also be required to review the eligibility and issue clear guidelines as to the terms and conditions of their use.

(2) What is the case for free parking?

A random survey of cars displaying blue badges in the town centre clearly demonstrates there is little or no difference in the range and purchase cost of these and cars of those able bodied people. There is little evidence here to indicate a link between disability and poverty.

(3) Where should parking be allowed?

Whilst we all would accept the premise that genuinely disable people should have easier access to shops etc. it is quite apparent that 'parking anywhere' has become out of control. A walk down Waterhouse Street one day last week showed that many badge holders' parking is both inconsiderate and often dangerous. Cars were parked next to bus stops, indeed one car parked in the middle of the stop. Cars are regularly parked along the entrance to the Water Gardens car park. This certainly causes a dangerous obstruction. Buses turning from Marlowes into Bridge Street frequently struggle to inch past cars parked right up to the junction there. Car parking attendants either do not have the power or the inclination to penalise those cars causing such obstruction. The police seldom appear to bother with these problems.

I believe there is no longer a serious case for free parking. Everyone able bodied or those with disability appear to own and drive broadly the same quality of car. Whilst accepting the premise of preferential parking for the genuine disabled there is no justification for preferential financial benefit as well.

I suggest that there are some areas where even blue badge holders should not be allowed to park. Perhaps an extra colour (its all the fashion) line in addition to the double yellow should indicate no parking whatsoever. These are designated areas where congestion caused by car parking is unacceptable and often dangerous.

Whilst no one would wish to undermine the benefit of the scheme I believe there is a feeling that it is widely abused, is patently seen to be unfair and needs reform. And it is not just because the Borough Council is failing to generate its budgeted revenue.

Jonathan Hunn

Chesham Rd, Berkhamsted

I have followed the 'debate' about the proposed development to the rear of 121-7 High Street, Berkhamsted with some interest. The debate seems to be all one way, on the negative side. As one who has a direct view of the site from Chesham Road I think I am justified in adding my comments.

Firstly, from my perspective, the scale of the proposed new building does not look unduly large. Secondly, there is nothing wrong with a modern design provided it exhibits quality through design, uses local building materials and is 'sustainable'. By that I mean it adds to the diversity and richness of the local building stock. The town needs buildings of quality that will enhance its future vernacular heritage. The argument against the development, purely on grounds of its proximity to a Grade II listed building, is not sufficient to justify the site remaining a parking lot in perpetuity. We who live now have to take the long view. For the town to thrive it needs to have people who choose to live here, preferably in its core and not at a distance where they will require private transport.

Finally from a historic perspective, Berkhamsted once had a series of 'yards' containing many dwellings, situated off the High Street in the 19th century. There is no inherent reason why these should not be recreated, albeit in a more considered and sustainable way. For commerce to thrive a town needs people; for people to have access to its facilities they need to be housed nearby. For the sake of the town and its future the proposed development requires a more balanced and sympathetic consideration than it has hitherto received.

Adie Lock

Manager, Comets Lions

Hemel Hempstead

I would like to wish all the boys all the best for next season.

I'd like to say thanks to the parents for their support and keep up the good work for the team.

Thanks again.

Doreen Barrington

Ringshall

Berkhamsted

In response to your article two weeks ago regarding the deer that was shot by the National Trust staff.

Despite the fact that Tigglewinkles were coming out to collect and vet the deer and then return him back to the wild, I must say that the attitude of the Ashridge Estate towards these animals is very ambiguous, and feel self interest is their main concern.

The shooting of an animal that is not severely injured goes against all modern concepts of thought, when the majority of the public go out of their way to help injured animals.

The estate has a policy of culling all the 'spotted fallow deer' our Hertfordshire White Hart, in favour of the black fallow, of which there are herds of 100 plus now, and give no positive answer as to why!

The local people far prefer the spotted deer to look at and of course there is the added fact that the black deer are far more difficult to see on the roads at night.

I do realise that culling has to take place, but the estate should not be playing God with our attractive white deer, there should be consultation with the public to whom the estate was left in Lord Brownlow's will.

Keepers come and go and what would Ashridge be without our spotted deer.

They are the hallmark and legacy of the area, and should be there for future generations to enjoy.

Dr David Toorawa

St John's Road

Hemel Hempstead

I read your article about distracted drivers with mixed emotions.

Foreboding at the possible consequences for these drivers and those likely to be affected by their flagrant disregard of safety on the road. Have drivers any idea that a moving vehicle is potentially a lethal weapon, no less than a pistol with the safety catch off.

Amusement, at Cllr Pile's pious hope that drawing the findings of Hertfordshire County Council's research to the attention of readers is likely to alter driver behaviour. His assessment of the risks and consequences of using mobile phones or eating breakfast at the wheel is beyond reproach, but sadly his proposed solution begs the question of overstretched police resources, and the leniency of the courts. Cllr Pile has greater faith than I in the ability of his fellows to change their behaviour on reading a newspaper.

Perhaps readers would care to consider that those caught for these offences are a mere fraction of the numbers who infringe, and they disregard 'driving with due care and attention' with impunity because the chances of being caught and prosecuted are minimal.

Severe and meaningful penalties sadly are the only way for us to learn what responsibility we have on our overcrowded roads. First we should see police actively prosecuting all such drivers, and the courts taking action accordingly. Then the message might get through.

It is worth also bearing in mind that the holding of a driving licence is after all, not a right but a privilege.

John Elton

Raymer Close

St Albans

On July 1 you published an obituary of my friend Hans Seelig, pictured.

Rather belatedly I should like to express appreciation of Peter Bennett's article and, in particular, of his emphasis on Hans' work for the University of the Third Age ("coordinator of the classical music group").

However,there are certain aspects of Hans' life which could only be known to a friend of long standing like myself. It seems only fair to record some additional facts if we wish to present a complete picture.

Peter Bennett mentions that Hans' parents retrieved the young boy from Sweden in 1939. The family moved to Oxford where Hans was educated, first at a local school, then at Oxford University. He gained a good Honours Degree in German and took up a teaching post in the North of England.

I first met him when we both joined the staff of Apsley Grammar School (now Longdean) in 1963.

Hans' main interests were classical music and contemporary German literature.

He was a competent flautist (playing regularly in the school orchestra) and also a composer of orchestral music (He was a pupil of a distinguished Swiss composer).

At ,the same time he developed his interest in German literature, and when he changed to teaching at degree level in a Polytechnic in North London he produced a book of German short stories. It is notable for a learned introduction in which he surveys the whole field.

He pursued these same interests in his dealings with other Jewish immigrants. In fact he founded an organisation called Club 43 which met every Monday evening at a synagogue in Belsize Park. These meetings were partly social, but they were characterised by the highest intellectual standards. Experts were recruited to give talks, and they included scholars of repute like university professors and members of the Goethe Institute. These Monday evening meetings continued over the course of thirty years, and the German Government recognised Hans' extraordinary achievement by granting him a special award.

Finally I should mention Hans' obsession with books. A visitor to his house at Wood Lane End could not fail to be impressed by his enormous collection - not only on the ground floor but stretching up the stairs to a room dedicated to specialist books (mainly German literature). For many years Hans would attend book fairs all over Hertfordshire, and it was always a pleasure to meet him at these stimulating events.

One last thought. Hans was an excellent cook! He was a Wine and food expert and used to travel to Switzerland every Summer, partly to meet his parents' old friends but also to buy a car-load of the local wine!

Hans enjoyed life to the full and he will always be remembered as an enthusiast for the good things of life: provocative thinking literature, classical music and the pleasures of the bon viveur.

Robert Waterhouse

Director Chipperfield Land Company

Chipperfield

Following your front page report last week, detailing discussions at the Berkhamsted Town Council meeting, considering our recent planning application at The Pines, I feel it necessary to put forward into the public domain the other side of the story.

Since the previous proposals were refused on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate, a decision which has since been quashed by the High Court, we have spent nine months discussing and negotiating with the Planning Officers and the Head of Conservation and Design at Dacorum.

This pre-application discussion was to ensure the scheme proposed meets not only the requirements of the now quashed appeal decision. The architect employed to create the new scheme is a local architect who specialises in restoration works and conservation area design.

Our design proposals were presented to the public for comment and all the speakers quoted in your article were given the opportunity to review the proposed scheme and put their views to us prior to the application being submitted.

Councillors Ian Reay and Peter Matthews didn't visit the presentation evening and although Mayor Collins did view the plans he made no adverse comments on the evening or in the following weeks preceding our application. Had the councillors bothered to come to our presentation, we could probably have adequately met their concerns, or at least had the opportunity to respond.

In particular to the accuracy of measurements - the site has been surveyed by a professional surveying company. The designs are computer aided and produced and therefore 100 per cent accurate as to scale and are plotted on the survey plan. There can be no inaccuracies. This is simply scaremongering, along with most of the concerns raised.

In short Mr Colin Garrett sums things up perfectly, 'In my view Berkhamsted has been full for some years'.

It doesn't matter what scheme is proposed for the site, the two previous proposed schemes for two and 12 new houses both met equally stiff resistance. Nor does it matter how much hard work is put into ensuring the design and layout meet the various stringent requirements of, the local development plan, national planning policy guidance, the conservation area supplementary planning guidance, the previous inspector's comments, as well as trying to limit the impact on immediate neighbours. Some Berkhamsted residents don't want new development near them, whatever is proposed, and will fight tooth and nail to resist it.

Let us hope the borough councillors do not take such a one-eyed and self interested view of our proposals.

Ellen R Reynolds

Salters Close

Berkhamsted

I am writing regarding the item by Graham Ramsey the medical director for West Herts.

I disagree with his comments on the success of closing Hemel hospital and the A&E 100 per cent.

How can Mr Ramsey assess the success of the Watford hospital by fewer deaths?

Has he even considered what it is like for the residents of Watford to have the overflow of Hemel and surrounding areas.

Hemel's population has expanded and will grow even more once the residents move into what was once the Kodak building.

Travelling to Watford for those without cars can be very trying, as an elderly person could not do. We need our hospital back. He does not live in the real world.

Zena Bullmore, MBE

Dacorum Hospital

Action Group

In the Gazette July 29, Graham Ramsey, chief medical officer of the West Herts Hospitals Trust, states, corectly, that people should not have to go "all the way" to Watford to collect their anti-swine flu pills.

There should of course be a collection point in what remains of Hemel Hempstead Hospital at the least and preferably also in St Albans and other parts of Dacorum.

By the same token NW Herts patients should not have to be taken all the way to Watford Hospital in a hospital which is congested traffic, a hospital which is difficult to access, is over crowded and is putting greater stress on families and on the ambluance service.

Professor Ramsey is moving very shortly for the Mid-Essex Hospitals Trust as their chief executive.

We wish him well and hope that his time in the WHHT has taught him how not to run an NHS Trust.

Christine Hillier

Chairwoman Hemel

Hempstead CND

Hemel Hempstead

I understand the laudable concerns of Mrs J Jeffrey about the endless procession of coffins through Wootten Basset carrying the remains of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan (Gazette letters July 29).

Twenty troops died during July, mostly blown up by homemade roadside bombs, many more were severely injured and maimed.

This is the highest rate of deaths and injuries in one month in the eight years of war and worse is expected in a new offensive during the Afghan elections in August.

This is deemed necessary to protect the incumbent, Hamid Karzai, who is expected to win, who depends on corrupt warlords and pays little heed to human rights in Afghan, particularly those of women, like the Taliban before him.

The psychological scars of war also grow, as the wars/insurgencies in both Iraq and Afghanistan drag on. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common amongst returning soldiers unable to forget the horrors they have experienced.

Mrs Jeffrey proposes a vigil to pay respects for every dead soldier.

Her sole aim is to support the demand by the military for more and better equipment and weapons.

The suggestion, that deaths and injuries could be avoided if these demands are affordable and met, may have some truth, but in reality, only withdrawal will end the carnage and save lives,

Our soldiers are not conscripts. They chose to join the army. The brutal truth is that they are trained to kill or be killed in battle conditions and to obey orders without question. Are their deaths worthwhile is the real question for us all.

Lessons from history show us, that even the well equipped Russians conceded an Afghan war was unwinnable, their abandoned, rusting tanks still litter the high passes. The Taliban, who the West then supported, consequently gained power.

Also, public opinion turned against the Vietnam war as the body bag count became intolerable. Then the US finally had to concede war as unwinnable, against the ideologically driven Vietcong, even though more bombs were dropped on North Vietnam than were dropped during the whole of WW2, with devastating effects on civilians, food production, vegetation and infrastructure.

Similar devastation has been wrought in Afghanistan where Aid, rarely reaches desperate civilians in real need, through corruption and the turmoil of war.

So why are we in Afghanistan ? Prime minister Brown says we are fighting this war to protect the streets of London, in fact, our streets are more vulnerable as a result of war. Brown should have learned by now that both the Afghan and Iraq wars breed Islamic extremism, not curb it, creating the very cycle of fear and violence with which he then justifies war!

After 9/11, awaiting the inevitable reaction from Bush and his hawks, with world wide demonstrations under the slogans 'Not in my name' and 'No blood for oil' HHCND and the Stop the Coalition organised a six-month peace vigil outside the Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre behind the banner 'War is not the Answer'!

Eight years and two wars later, faced with the evidence of the usual hell war unleashes, including torture, our case is surely proven.

Gay

Hemel Hempstead

WHEN IS THE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD POST OFFICE GOING BACK INTO THE HIGH STREET? As a single, fit, 50 year old, I get out of breath using the stairs and end up having a panic attack. I can't use the postage stamp sized lift because I am claustrophobic and would panic. How the old and infirm manage I dread to think. It's stuffy, cramped and hot. I do feel sorry for the staff working in those conditions. It's a ridiculous situation for our main Post Office and should be rectified without further delay.

Dave Humphreys

Cameron Ave Kelowna B.C. Canada

For your inquiry about the shop names in Marlowes, as I recall from the Arch railway bridge was The Bridge cafe- then it was taken over by Andersons coal & corn merchants,the Halfway House (pub] Frisks radio shop,Keens the butchers, thats how you get Edmons Court,you see, he was my Grandfather,Achidsons the account,Ramshaws& Berreck candies,then a Thrift shop ,then my fathers shop, Humphreys Hemel Ltd at 180 Marlows, dad was a corn merchant with a couple of trucks-then Wadkins the Bakers Potters greengrocers then a little further up was Baileys the Iron foundry,next The Henrey 8th. pub.then we skip up to the Luxsor cinema -Saunders Garage then Bridge Street.Hope this info helps someone!

Dave Clayton

Hemel Hempstead

Is there some form of parking clampdown in Hemel? Are the council trying to kill local business? I came by the roundabout at the back of 'Blockbuster' at 18:50 today to find, not one but two parking enforcement operatives ticking everything they could. (not surprisingly this is a busy time of day for blockbuster, though not busy generally for traffic in the area, except for those using blockbuster. Without parking in this location it is realistically impossible to do business at Blockbuster. They will soon go bust if people cannot park somewhere for 10-15mins to get their DVDs or even to return them. Remember, Blockbuster was there long before the council re-modelled that end of the marlowes taking little account of the needs of that business then (it had a parking bay right in front that worked well! I dare say we will now get the same problem when trying to get post from the main post office - making it impossible to perform a basic function! To top this off my daughter got a ticket/fine for parking in the water gardens even though she had displayed, as usual, a valid parking ticket and now has to go through the pain & nausea of attempting to get it canceled. What gives...? Hemel is already a very poor place to shop, this kind of attitude by the council simply alienates local people and forces them to shop elsewhere outside of the area... Furthermore, I have already stopped shopping in Apsley or the Old High Street for this very reason, as I refuse to have to pay to browse.

Alec Turner

Crossways Leverstock Green Hemel Hempstead Herts HP3 8PU

alecturner@yahoo.com

We started a local group of the EMAG (Equitable Members Action Group) in June to try to push harder for compensation for existing Equitable Life Policy Holders and those like myself who have already left Equitable. It is believed that nearly 1000 live in the Berkhampstead, Hemel and St Albans constituency and nearly 100 are already in our group. Can anyone who does not already belong to EMAG and who wants to help us get compensation get in touch with me on 07810878989 or by email to alecturner@yahoo.com The more members we have the greater will be our chance of fair compensation for the Equitable fiasco.

Alec Local rep for EMAG for Hertfordshire and Middlesex

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