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Don’t drag up the pain

Over the months and years since the EU referendum, I have seen many, often passionate, letters to this publication arguing the pros and cons of EU membership. I write as a committed Remainer. As soon as it became clear what the referendum result was going to be, I felt sick to my stomach and, undiminished, that feeling remains with me today.

But this letter isn’t to argue the rights and wrongs of EU membership or to debate the validity or legality of the referendum or to challenge the integrity of those on either side. This letter is a cry for compassion.

Within my family the referendum both exposed and intensified differences of opinion on many issues. There were passionate and fiery debates amongst us, leading, in some cases, to a complete breakdown in relationships. Those divisions still exist but the wounds they created have, just, started to heal.

It’s taken two years, but now the beginnings of a return to normality are on the horizon. I’m certain that there are countless families throughout the nation similarly rebuilding their relationships.

It is with utter dismay that I now see rising pressure for another EU vote. Whether it’s called a referendum or a ‘people’s vote’, this insidious idea is pointless, cruel and heartless.

A further referendum, if it were to be called, would not stop us leaving the EU, would not help us to remain close to our continental friends and could only result in a push further into the void. Worse, a ‘people’s vote’ would abruptly stop the healing process now underway in so many families and communities, it would drive a larger wedge between friends and relations and cause greater and more entrenched emotional disaffection.

If this awful “people’s vote” idea of Tony Blair’s were ever to become a reality then I, even as a committed Remainer, will shun it.

I will neither campaign nor vote. Indeed I’ll have nothing to do with anything that might inflict or prolong the kind of disruption and pain I have seen in my own family.

Now is the time to come together, perhaps not united in a common purpose but respectful and mindful of our differences. Let’s stop ridiculing and condemning each other and start to build a future we can all accept.

Graham Philpot, Ramleaze Drive, Shaw

Going around The Circle

On reading the letter from LM Dawes, SA July 21, I agree completely with this individual.

I live in the flats across from the One Stop, and the fire was a terrifying sight. Thank goodness nobody was injured or worse.

The chip shop and One Stop will be sadly missed until they is rebuilt. The staff in One Stop have always been friendly and helpful.

The fire appears to be down to arson. How can people be so stupid, especially with the present heat? A mindless act by person or persons unknown.

Another ongoing issue which has plagued residents of The Circle in recent years are the idiots with their bikes doing wheelies etc on the grassed area, mainly in the One Stop area, and also on the dual carriageway.

Their route is nearly always the same - Pinehurst Road, Beech Avenue and Whitworth Road - but they always appear to finish off by going down Beech Avenue.

These teens know exactly what they are doing, they are just completely anti-social. I doubt any of the machines have road tax, MOTs or insurance. What do their parents think, or do the parents really care?

The Circle is a good area but it has recently been blighted by a certain few. The police cannot do this on their own- what are the council doing about this ongoing anti-social behaviour?

Donald Maclean, The Circle, Swindon

A joke of a building

I can’t be the only person bored to death with the Mechanics’ Institute farce.

Year after year after year it stands there while supposed developers come and go.

Mr Singh, go away. Whatever your name is now, you had your chance.

Swindon council, if you don’t want to repair it then tear it down and put something better in it’s place. If it was any good then someone would have jumped on it and renovated it years and years ago.

We’re sick to the back teeth of this joke of a building. If it means anything to anyone then fix it up or get rid of it.

Roger Lack, North Swindon

Open your eyes

AS shown in the photograph of the bus gate for Penzance Drive there are two ‘no left turn’ signs on two traffic light posts. If Ms Turner did not see these signs then I can only deduce she would not have seen a red traffic stop light. I put this in the same category as lorry drivers striking low bridges. Sat Navs are for guidance. Keep your eyes forward!

Andrew Kirwan, Parr Close, Grange Park

Get your act together

SO far this month, I have had reason to travel to and from Torquay four times. During these trips, we have been held up three times for what the guard called a ‘door problem’. Each time, as a result we have arrived at our destination at least 15 minutes late.

Today, before we got to Bristol we reduced our speed and crawled into the city. We were held for around 15 minutes, and then when we eventually got away, we were down to about 30mph, stuck behind a slow train.

We proceeded to Newton Abbot, where we arrived about 27 minutes late, so we missed the connection to Torquay, so we had to wait for the next one due in at 1101. At 1050, it was announced that our train was now running 10 minutes late so that was yet another delay.

On our way back today, we managed to catch a cross country train going to Manchester, and that was sheer bliss in terms of ride and speed. Is there a chance GWR will get its act together and provide a service for the price.

T Reynolds, Wheeler Avenue, Swindon