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Child ignored for phone

ABOARD the West Swindon bus recently a girl, no more than five, began running up and down the gangway as the bus left Fleming Way.

She was enjoying herself but quite oblivious to the dangers. She’d stop running and stand near the driver holding on to... well... nothing.

Then she’d shoot off again up and down the gangway.

Had the bus suddenly stopped, however...

Her mother was sitting towards the rear of the bus and, just as her daughter was oblivious to the fragility of life, so it seems was her mother in failing in her maternal duty to protect the child.

Texting, she managed to look up just once at her daughter enjoying herself and exchanged smiles with her. The bond between mother and child is a wonderful thing. Except in this case, perhaps, the maternal cord was badly frayed.

Passengers exchanged looks and, like the other passengers, I too said nothing, did nothing. Cowards all.

Technology has been liberating in many respects but it is also capable of a potentially devastating downside when abused, as in this case.

With whom was she communicating (for about twenty minutes) that was more important than her precious daughter running amok?

Towards the end of the journey the mother simply sat there staring into her phone, as if awaiting instructions from a higher power.

Does such a mother who fails to protect her daughter from all potential dangers deserve such a beautiful child?

Who will she turn to for comfort should such an accident happens?

Her beloved mobile phone with whom she seems so intimate, I suspect.

J ADAMS

Bloomsbury, Swindon

....

No housing safety net

I WAS horrified to read about Cheryl Hughes’ situation. The headline stated “I’ve got cancer... now I may be evicted.”

I can only imagine how terrifying it must be to receive a diagnosis of cancer and then be told that you may have to have your eye removed.

Cheryl has had to travel to Liverpool for treatment. She has been unable to work and got into arrears on her rent.

It is a well known fact that people fighting cancer need to rest, avoid stress and eat a healthy diet to have the best outcome.

I am certain that sending numerous forms and emails to try to secure housing benefit whilst one is living on a low income and getting into arrears, then being told that you are not entitled to help and eviction proceedings are going ahead, is not beneficial to good health or stress levels.

Cheryl said: “People should be aware that it doesn’t take much to fall into a bit of trouble and then you’re in serious trouble” She is quite right.

A report last week said that one in three families in the UK are only one pay packet away from losing their homes.

So where is the safety net that should be in place? And who has the duty of care when this kind of situation arises?

ITV interviewed Cheryl and they quoted Swindon Borough Council as saying “our hands are tied by central government rules.”

I am very ashamed of a country where central government policy inflicts this lack of care or compassion on people.

KATE LINNEGAR

Guppy Street

Swindon