Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 08 May 2008

THE erosion of the democratic process in the United Kingdom continues to gather pace fuelled by a near lethal combination of Brussels and Westminster. Notice I have placed Brussels first!I MUST take issue with Mr Steve Atkinson’s letter (Times & Star, May 2) concerning Copeland Borough Council’s ‘arrogant behaviour.’I AGREE with D Thompson about the quality of football being played at Borough Park (letters, May 2).I’D LIKE to say thank you to all those who were involved in planning, organising and participating in Cockermouth’s Georgian Fair last weekend.

The next general election probably offers the last chance for electors to say “enough is enough.”

That election is looking increasingly likely sooner rather than later as our so called New Labour government appears on the verge of imploding.

The recent local elections were a disaster for Labour with their share of the vote falling to 24 per cent.

I continue to believe a substantial majority of the British people wish to have a referendum on whether to remain in the European Community. It cannot be done, some will say, sadly in all the parties.

Nonsense! The vast majority of our people want their country back. So David Cameron and the shadow cabinet, are you listening?

A “no” vote means we can begin to return to making our own decisions.

The democratic injustices created by devolution in Scotland and Wales must also be addressed.

Then and only then can we become the United Kingdom and give full attention to the many serious and pressing issues within our society.

JOHN PAYTON

Bitterbeck Close

Cockermouth

Before making such bold comments, Mr Atkinson should take the time to get all the relevant facts together and then consider his thoughts before taking a cheap shot at the council.

I have taken the time to gather the facts after being shocked initially at the heavy handed action taken and I disagree wholeheartedly that Mr Corkhill was ‘unfortunate’ as Mr Atkinson describes.

How can a citizen that has already had additional support from the council, mainly by the way of a larger-sized bin claim it is unfair to be fined, after he has also been warned for the same offence in July last year.

The upshot of this further offence, in January 2008, is that he was fined.

A reminder of the fine to be paid was issued to Mr Corkhill in February and eventually he failed to pay it.

The council took him to court where the case was not defended and the magistrates supported the prosecution.

I wonder what Mr Atkinson’s view of this would be if it was his next door neighbour that was littering the streets outside of his home?

I also wonder what Mr Atkinson’s views of the council would be if they failed to take action against people that deliberately did not pay fines issued to them for offences such as dog fouling on the streets, for example?

I have a feeling he would be in support of these prosecutions, and rightly so, but he must see the bigger picture and that breaking the law is simply unacceptable.

I would suggest that Mr Corkhill has not got a criminal record for leaving his wheelie bin partially open; he has in fact got this because he refused to comply with statutory notices, refused to pay statutory fines, and finally refused to attend a magistrate’s court when summonsed.

If the issue is simply with the setting of the laws, then yes we must use our vote and put faith in those empowered to do this, but in the meantime don’t shoot the messenger.

NAME AND ADDRESS WITHHELD

I was a season ticket holder but have not been down since the Gainsborough game. I won’t be back next season either if things don’t change.

The standard of play against Gainsborough was so bad it reminded me what it was like before Tommy Cassidy came, with all 20 outfield players playing on one side of the pitch.

I went home after about half an hour when Gainsborough scored.

We need not bother about money for the stadium because there won’t be enough support to pay the players’ wages and the managers if things don’t change.

Darren Edmondson was one of our best players and would have been one of the first players on the team sheet under Tommy Cassidy.

I feel he would have been better playing himself out there on the pitch and leading by example as he does not appear to be able to motivate the players even with the help of Viv Busby from the dug out.

The signs are there now. So take note Alec Graham, the club has not “finished comfortably in a mid-table 14th position.”

We would probably have been relegated if Tommy hadn’t left us in third place in the league, as we finished the season 29 points behind AFC Telford who finished the season in third place.

B FAWCETT

Bridgefoot

Workington

There was an excellent variety of activities for all age groups. The whole day was colourful, lively and entertaining.

There was a real “buzz” in the town and a real sense of community. I’m sure locals and visitors all really enjoyed the day. Well done to all concerned!

G TELFORD

Low Road Close

Cockermouth