Council's silence over streets a disgrace

Published on 14th December 2006 in Letters

Sir - People have asked me why am I so concerned about the demolition of Phoenix Street and Richard Cooper Street when I don't live there. Well, I believe this issue has future implications for anyone in Goole who lives in a terraced house.

ERYC has begun a programme to 'renovate' over fifty streets in Goole. If they are successful in demolishing Phoenix Street and Richard Cooper Street it will set a precedent, giving them more power to demolish other houses.

As an hypothetical example, the Timms Mill site is being converted into a shopping centre. Suppose in a few years' time that more space is needed for extra shops, car parking or delivery access. At the back of this site are the streets that make up Poets Corner, terraced houses similar to those in the condemned streets. Will Poets Corner be then classed as 'non-sustainable' and lined up for demolition? This is why I believe Goole Town Council's silence on this issue is an absolute disgrace, but unfortunately some town councillors appear unable to see beyond their next photo opportunity.

We do need their support, though, because ordinary people have little chance of winning a fight against ERYC. It might help if we disguised ourselves as water voles. When their homes were under threat Goole Town councillors were falling over themselves to help them!

Paul Thompson

Montrose Drive,

Goole