Pharmacy, dogs, trees & pedestrians

OPINION: Pharmacy closure

We would like to support Myra Giese's letter [Express, December 22] against the proposed closure of The Warehouse pharmacy.

As a family of a disabled three-year-old daughter with a severe gene disorder, relying on medication daily, we are very disappointed to say the least to hear about the closure of The Warehouse pharmacy.

We have been fortnightly users of this wonderful pharmacy, with its amazing staff, for three years and would never consider going anywhere else.

We have fostered a great relationship with all four staff at the chemist and are really feeling for them at this time. The staff at The Warehouse pharmacy are more than just pharmacists to us, they are caring, just a phone call away and always have everything under control for our wee girl, which for a parent is so reassuring.

A disabled car park is available at the door, so necessary for getting our daughter in and out of the car and into her buggy, but it is the great opening hours that tops everything off.

Of course, while we are waiting for our prescription, we can participate in some retail therapy, spending money at The Warehouse itself.

If we have a resulting change due to the closure, we will have to rebuild our relationship and trust in another pharmacy. The Warehouse pharmacy helps make our life that much easier and stress free.

We are dreading the closure of the pharmacy and really think it will be a big step backwards for The Warehouse.

Please reconsider closing – we personally don't need the stress.

KELLY HOCQUARD and FAMILY, Blenheim

Kwila protest

In response to the article "Water Project", in the Saturday Express on January 7, I have a topic which I am wishing to raise with Christo Saggers concerning decking – in particular, the use of kwila in outdoor gardening projects.

Kwila is a slow growing species of rainforest timber that takes between 75 to 80 years to mature, and now is only found on the island of New Guinea. Kwila used to grow from the shores of Africa to as far east as Tahiti.

However, in recent years it has been logged almost to extinction in order to meet unprecedented consumer demand in mainly western markets.

Large stores have cynically tried to pull the wool over New Zealand consumers eyes recently by adopting colourful stickers with bright green ticks and such nonsense in a vain attempt to hide the truth. But the sad fact is that 87 per cent of remaining stands of this once proud and numerous species have been earmarked for logging and the remaining 17 per cent is waiting for the chopping block.

Whether we like it or not, everything we buy is a political act. Ignorance is no excuse.

MATTHEW DOWER, Blenheim

Dogs in Picton

I am a dog owner and live in Picton. I am very much opposed to the new proposed dog laws regarding the CBD of Picton.

Picton is a resort and we have many people passing through our wonderful town. Over the Christmas/New Year holiday we have had many visitors to our town and many of them have had their family dog or dogs with them. I was out walking among them with my dog on many occasions and also without my dog. There were absolutely no problems and in fact people stopped to pet the dogs.

All of the dogs and their owners were very well-behaved and there was absolutely no dog mess anywhere to be seen. In fact, from some of the stories I have heard around Picton the dogs and their owners behaved much better than some of the yobs we had visiting.

I personally feel there should be a different bylaw for Blenheim and Picton on this matter. If Blenheim people want no dogs in their CBD then so be it.

I have spoken to the shop owners in Picton and also many of the locals and also visitors and they all agree that having dogs around the CBD in Picton gives a wonderful feel to the town.

There is a petition out for people to sign about the proposed dog law changes. Please Picton people and visitors sign this petition and keep dogs in the CBD of Picton.

KATHY HALE, Picton

Pedestrian problems

Drivers in Blenheim do not have anything against mobility scooters, I am sure. I think, like me, they are getting more and more frustrated with the inconsiderate pedestrians.

The two crossings mentioned ["Mobility scooter users upset by drivers", Express, December 30] are in very stupid places right by corners, and the library one in particular is in a very busy place. I have often waited for a very long time at both crossings while pedestrians keep walking out and halting the flow of the traffic. Sometimes, the traffic is banked up a long way, but people will be running to get across and hold it up even more.

Maybe it is about time the pedestrians in this town got some manners as well and maybe while school is out the school police officer could spend some time in town educating the adults.

The speed humps are not crossings and to have traffic constantly banked up while people step out without looking is just plain dangerous. Someone is going to be killed or injured again soon – not only because some drivers are inconsiderate, but because the pedestrians do not look and just step out in front of moving cars.

Give us drivers a bit of a break as well. We are happy to stop for you, but you must also be happy to give us a go as well.

LYN MALLOY, Blenheim

Missing the lights

Over the past few weeks I have read a lot in the paper about the Christmas decorations not being missed and that Blenheim doesn't need the decorations. I cannot believe this. What a load of rubbish.

We have been doing Christmas lights in Blenheim for quite a few years and have had a lot of people saying to us they want to see the lights and decorations back around the town.

Between the council and Marlborough Lines can't this be sorted? If this is a money thing can't they put a couple of dollars on our rates? I would not mind this and I'm sure that a lot of Blenheim people would agree.

Come on, where is their Christmas spirit or is the Christmas grinch around for good? I hope not.

ANGELA and MARK WILTON, Blenheim

Beach biking

Further to your picture of two young children riding a four-wheel motorbike on Marfells Beach ["Homing instinct at beach of wild beauty", Express, December 29], this is a breach of the law.

No crash helmets (the beach is supposedly classed as a public road), no motorbike licence one would assume, and no doubt as often happens down there, hooning past other children playing on the beach.

Parents should be a bit more responsible as these vehicles are not toys and have a rather high accident rate.

KEVIN ANDREWS, Blenheim

- The Marlborough Express