Letters

Dear Messenger

I am writing on behalf of the residents of Wood Fold, hoping that you will be able to help us. Parking during the day is impossible on Wood Fold as the various companies surrounding us, and on Rutland road, take over the whole area. We have, in past years, been in touch with the council to ask for resident only parking on our side of the road and we made such a request when the council sent out questionnaires in November/December of last year. As there are only eleven dwellings on Wood Fold we cannot understand why we cannot have parking facilities outside our own homes. It is annoying when, after shopping of taking children to and from school, that we have to park either on Rutland Road or right at the bottom of Wood Fold near the grassland area. On Monday mornings we are surrounded by vehicles from CRW, a company based at the bottom of the road. My neighbour and I did complain to them and, for maybe a week, they did park elsewhere. When we do manage to park outside our homes other vehicles park so close to us that getting out of our space is very awkward to say the least. I have received two parking tickets because I parked at the top of the road to unload my car after shopping trips. Please try to get us resident only parking outside our properties. Thank you, Mrs Michele Coulson

Dear Messenger

As a Muslim I wish to comment on Sky’s coverage of the military strikes against Afghanistan - dubbed by Sky News as: “Striking Back - War on Terror”. I have found the coverage so far, to be biased, unbalanced and one-sided against the Muslims across the globe. The majority of Sky presenters and guests seem to be enjoying the onslaught that is being dished out by the western coalition troops against civilians and the so called military targets. All sensible broadcasters must show restraint and try to avoid the incitement of racial backlash. Even the non-verbal communication or body language in news presentation in programmes is clearly reflecting the latent anti-Muslim and a racially/culturally prejudiced sentiments. Majority of the news items have tended to create jingoism and anti-Islamic feeling and which has played into the hands of chauvinists and racists and hence the attacks and killings of Muslims and Sikhs (who wear turban like the Taliban). The anti-Islamic tradition continues in the form of the modern western media spin from where the Crusades left off in the middle ages. The correct representation of Islam is that the word: Islam means simply “surrender” and is related to Arabic salam, or peace. However, the western media portrays extremists like Osama bin Laden as a typical Muslim who quotes from the Qur’an “slay [enemies] wherever you find them” (4:89). In reality, Osama bin Laden quotes these Quranic injunctions selectively and these passages stress peace and the only permissible war is one of self-defence (2:190). Warfare is always evil (2:191; 2:217). Another misrepresentation of Islam, is that the Western media’s use of the word “Fundamentalists” is always linked to Islamic Fundamentalism and not to Christians like James Kopp or the Jewish Baruch Goldstein. Also, the western media’s misuse & abuse of the word Jihad as being a “holy war” but in reality it means “struggle”. This can mean the individuals own personal internal/external social struggle within society and with one’s own heart. To conclude, after the horrific events on 11th September, the image of Muslims as portrayed by the western press & media has been connected with terrorists and killing to the extent that the majority has accepted without any significant opposition, the passing of laws directed against Muslims and every Muslim has become an object of doubt and suspicion. M. H. A. KHAN, Sheffield.

No Future for Council Housing?

I read of the council’s proposals for the re-development of the Woodside estate, coupled with their insistence that the move to housing trusts for all council controlled housing stock across the city is the only way to halt the continued decline of council housing. I feel this a matter of growing concern. There is nothing inherently wrong with the concept of publicly funded council housing, The building of such homes, including the original Woodside development, was a cause for celebration; decent, affordable housing outside the grip of the private landlord. Rather it’s the deliberate under funding and lack of commitment from successive governments that has led to the decline of our homes. It’s estimated that £20 million is needed to bring the nation’s council housing up to standard. If they can find the money and enthusiasm for war with different priorities they can find the money and enthusiasm to turn round council housing. Dave Fisher, All Saints tenant

Never Say Never Andrew

Once again, sadly, I find it necessary to respond to one of Andrew Green’s articles to clarify inaccuracies contained in another of his articles, this time entitled ‘Never there when you want them’ (October 2001). On the Wednesday 6th September 2001 I received a letter from Owen Wright expressing his concerns about police involvement at sporting and family events over the four-day period from Thursday 30th August. I telephoned Owen that same day and we spoke about the issues raised and, at my suggestion, he agreed to a meeting on the 11th September. I sent a written reply to him that same day pointing out the difficulties in securing police attendance at events with short notice, after all he made his requests to Sgt Cox as late as the 27th August. Those late requests meant that police officers were only able to attend at the Thursday and Sunday events. It was regrettable that one of the events was marred by a family dispute on the Saturday event. We met and further discussed the issues and agreed a way forward to prevent any misunderstanding in the future. I undertook to confirm the period of notice that would be needed to ensure police officers could be provided, over and above those on duty on operational duties, for such community events and have since done so. Additionally, in anticipation of an increase in requests as the community further develop their relationship with the local police, I have secured services of Sergeant Adrian Fox to deal with such community requests. (He can be contacted by telephone on 296 4430). If Andrew Green had telephoned me I could have told him this. That said, whilst his article would have presented a more complete account, perhaps it wouldn’t have been quite as sensationalist. On sensationalism, a road accident over two and a half years ago is hardly news whilst the spin on the ‘drug squads’ activities was published back in April and that also contained erroneous information. Rest assured the police are most often there when the community calls but have to prioritise their activities. We are also there contributing funds towards additional community activities which includes the printing of the Messenger and Community events. They’ll be there as well taking fewer reports of crime as the half-yearly analysis reveals a 9% reduction in reported crime including a reduction in burglary dwellings of 35% and theft of vehicles by 41%. Andrew Green may not be able to see us but believe me many others in the community do, and they’re likely to see a lot more of us. I fully support journalism that presents factually correct information, freedom of speech is a right that our society enjoys but when the information is incorrect it often falls upon individuals to set the record straight, in fact inaccurate reporting does journalism no favours at all. Allan Dyson Police Inspector It would be helpful if Inspector Dyson could spell out exactly what the inaccuracies were. -ed

Dear Messenger

I read with interest your article about the NHS performance ratings and the Northern General and Hallamshire Hospitals. We are working very hard with the hospital to ensure targets are hit. I also noted that next month’s health pages will focus on mental health. We have recently appointed a Health Improvement Manager for Mental Health and are beginning to develop a strong action plan for improving mental health. I wondered whether it would be helpful for us to provide some input to your next article. Best Wishes. Andy Buck Chief Executive, North Sheffield PCT The Messenger replies, Dear Andy, Many thanks for your offer of help and for the huge support that the PCT has given the Messenger. The review of Mental Health services has been delayed until next month but we hope to cover the PCT’s plans and would welcome your help. With the help of the Health Group we hope more people from the health services, as well as local residents, will get involved with the Health Pages both in the Messenger and on-line at www.burngreavemessenger/health . If anyone would like to contribute to the feature on mental health or future issues you contact Health Pages at the Messenger or email healthpages@drmark.f9.co.uk

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