Readers' letters from Wednesday 1 Jul 2009

Could it be magic? No!

CONGRATULATIONS to Trafford Borough Council for adopting a totally nonchalant couldn't-care-less attitude towards the thousands of people who live around Lancashire County Cricket Club, by allowing five Take That concerts smack bang in the middle of residential housing estates.Residential areas where children, elderly people and average folks have to get up for work in the morning, are being subjected to intolerable noise levels, increased traffic and associated parking obstructions, crowds, litter, and fireworks up to 10.30pm and beyond. Adjacent to the ground is elderly persons' housing. Have those people or indeed any of the rest of us been asked, consulted, apologised to by the council or cricket club for this intolerable nuisance ? The answer is a resounding {lsquo}No!' My mother, aged 87, was scared out of her wits at 10.30pm by the noise and fireworks.This whole episode is a total and utter disgrace. Perhaps our beloved council should change the name of Stretford to {lsquo}Like it, or Lump it'Ragnar, Stretford

Ragnar, Stretford

I don't believe this awful driving!

THE Victor Meldrew comes out in me from time to time; I think it must be a sign of the passing years.One thing to get me into a 'I-don't-believe-it' strop is the sight of drivers on mobile phones being distracted from what they should be doing – i.e. ensuring that the rest of us road users and pedestrians are able to reach our destinations safely. I am sure we have all had experience of, or witnessed, road users with scant regard for the safety of others (I don't care if they want to kill themselves). It is not just mobile phones. I have witnessed a Stockport Council driver in Marple drinking from a large soft drink bottle as he negotiated a right turn, head tilted back to savour the moment, oblivious to anything happening on the road.Another driver speeding along the M25 was trying to control the steering wheel with her elbows whilst holding a spoon in one hand and a yoghurt in the other.My latest sighting was the driver of one of the free shuttle buses driving through the Spinningfields area of the city whilst reading a copy of the Metro! Congratulations must go to the Metro for having such a fascinating read that can't be put down and for the bus company for introducing buses with auto pilot.<Forgive my poor attempts at sarcasm, but hopefully anyone reading this who can identify themselves from these examples may just see the light. Charles Crookall, High Lane

Charles Crookall, High Lane

Family and fame: Jacko and Paul

GENIUS and self destruction often go hand in hand. It would be difficult to argue that Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and George Best epitomised this. It could be caused by precarious childhoods or an inability to live with the adulation of people.However, it is possible to be a genius and still live a contented life. Sir Paul McCartney, with John Lennon, formed part of the most successful writing duo in living memory. Sir Paul has managed to live a relatively normal life in spite of his obvious genius.Sir Alex Ferguson has rightly been acknowledged as the greatest football club manager and he has remained immune to the potential pitfalls that fame can bring.It is always sad when we see people descend into a pit of despair from which they are unlikely to escape. However without a stable family background, genius usually degenerates into despair with an almost inevitable tragic conclusion Harry Singleton, Ashton

Harry Singleton, Ashton

Benny Hill, Larry Grayson and Joe Strummer

I CAN'T agree with Peter Royle's view (June 19) that by moving to an affluent area people better themselves. Acquiring wealth usually makes people worse. I think we can improve ourselves educationally, morally and spiritually. I don't take a lot of notice of showbiz people's views. Upon finding success, they usually move to affluent areas, with plenty of security to boot, and live almost estranged existences. From Mr Boyle's letter a few people did spring to mind. Firstly Joe Strummer, who for many years chose to live where he didn't have to. At the opposite end of the scale, but having something in common with Joe, would be Benny Hill and Larry Grayson, two big stars of their time. Both lived in modest abodes in modest areas. Why? Presumably they liked the people and the place. One mustn't forget this is the age of spin.T Sayers, Glossop

T Sayers, Glossop