We’ve reached the end of the sixth week of work to overhaul drains, pavements and the road surface of Dunhill Road between Marcus St and Grange Road. The photo with this update shows the progress made.
Some photos were shared on Facebook, supplementing those posted by others of the good work that has been done to resurface Pasture Road. There have been some heartfelt comments about other roads in the older part of Goole which are in urgent need of repairs.
It is important work. Firstly, it is important to public morale. People feel much better about their local area if it looks well-maintained and cared for. A recent article in ‘The Economist’ newspaper included the observation, “Anger at austerity is just anger at the state of the public realm: the roads on which people drive…” (2 November edition). You can read ‘The Economist’ and many other digital newspapers, magazines and books through membership of East Riding Libraries. There is a facility for the text to be read aloud to you if you wish using your computer, laptop or other device. See: https://library.eastriding.gov.uk/home
Badly repaired roads and pavements cause significant problems beyond public morale. Poor road surfaces damage vehicles, so repairs are needed and that increases maintenance costs for individuals, businesses and other organisations. Badly maintained pavements lead to accidents. An elderly person who falls and breaks bones needs hospital attention. They lose their prized independence, possibly permanently. Hospital care costs, and takes up capacity. If they cannot be discharged because of issues with social care, their stay in hospital is longer. That increases waiting lists. If members of the workforce cannot get medical treatment quickly then that leads to them being off work for longer. Which means they are not contributing economically, and productivity goes down. Which is bad for the economy, and leads to more austerity…
Well maintained roads and pavements are not a nice to have, they are bread and butter to support the country working properly.
The annual Remembrance Sunday service took place at Goole Cenotaph. Moving, dignified, well run and well attended. The community came together to honour, and show gratitude, for those who gave their lives to protect democracy and freedom in the UK from aggressors and bullies. The NHS, healthcare free at the point of delivery, voted for by the British public in the General Election which followed World War II, is a living memorial to the sacrifices made in World War II. Its purpose was to make ordinary people’s lives better – those who are not wealthy but whose hard work is essential to the country.
After the service, somebody I know said they were going to spend some time with a friend of theirs whose son died serving in the armed forces of this country. It is impossible to fully understand what losing a child feels like if it has not happened to you.
A close friend of mine in my youth, and twenties, died in an accident abroad in his mid- twenties. I don’t think his Mother ever got over losing her first born. They are buried together in the cemetery.
One of my cousins was killed riding his bicycle by a lorry on Rawcliffe Road while still a schoolchild. Again, I don’t think my Aunt ever recovered from losing one of her children. My cousin is buried with my Grandmother opposite my friend and his Mum in the cemetery. I don’t know what it is like to lose a child myself. I have seen the effect it has on parents though, and I know what it feels like to lose people you love deeply.
The loss of life in war is terrible, but there is some purpose. Does it make any sense to risk losing a child’s life in an accident through having heavy lorries for VPG construction works trying to turn the 90 degree blind corner by the gates outside Boothferry Junior School where Marcus Street joins Newport Street?