Easter In Scotland

This Easter I went back up to Scotland. I stayed in the same hotel in Kilmarnock , as on the previous occasions. It’s handy for me and I’m always well looked after.

I  shan’t bore the non rail enthusiasts amongst you; but for those of you who are , you can read a more detailed description of my journies here :- www.railforums.co.uk  and search for Stephen’s Scottish Travels. 

The train journey up to Scotland was uneventful.

Saturday 7th April, for those of us who are football fans, was a significant date! It was the day that Celtic hoped to seal the SPL title.  Anyone who wasn’t wanting to “nip across the car park,” to see the Bhoys play Killie, was advised to leave the hotel by 11 am. The match kicked off at Noon.  There was quite an atmosphere, that morning. It seemed like much of Glasgow had decamped for the day to Kilmarnock!

I headed the opposite way to Glasgow – sightseeing to be done! Getting out of the hotel  was problematic! Thanks, to the Strathclyde Police,  for flagging down, a wheelchair accessible taxi to get to the railway station.

Kilmarnock station was just moving on, the last of the supporters, when I arrived. A quick 40 minute ride up to Glasgow Central station followed.

The intention was to take the Glasgow City Tour Bus. I’m pleased to say, I achieved it. The starting point is St George’s Square, which is more or less opposite Glasgow Queen Street station (for those of you not familiar with the city). It’s a fair trek from Glasgow Central – so be warned.

Unsure, when the buses departed, I stopped a couple who might help. They were tourists from……………..Wakefield!! Luckily, they did know!

The bus was wheelchair accessible. The tour is just short of 2hrs. The tour guide for the first part of the trip, was a clone of Lorraine Kelly!! Very entertaining and knowledgeable! It takes in the old parts of the city (eg University and Cathedral) as well as the new. The bus went past sites for the forthcoming 2014 Commonwealth Games; and near the Riverside museums, in the reclaimed dockland areas. Worth every penny.

On returning to  St Georges Square, I decided to see how accessible other bus services were.? I took a trip out on the Airport Express. This is a wheelchair accessible bus service and very frequent too. It drops you right outside the terminal building! Last time, I was here, you could watch planes arriving/leaving from a viewing gallery. Unfortunately, the failed terrorist attacks a few years ago, have put paid to that.  After a bite to eat in the Wetherspoons, I headed back to Glasgow Central Station on the Airport Express.

The obliging driver dropped me, as close to the station as he could. I had thought (naively) that things might be quiet now (5pm)! Silly me! An alien from outer space, would have known who were the SPL champions! Celtic fans straggling (or is that staggering) back from Kilmarnock, were “attempting” to do the conga on the Central Station concourse! The looks on the faces of the accompanying police escort spoke volumes!! I have to say it was goodnatured! As a football fan myself, I wouldn’t have had much sympathy, for those who are non football fans. No one was in any danger!

The train I took back to Kilmarnock had not been cleared of rubbish, from the incoming service.  I don’t believe there is a recession! The fans had been downing Cava! Not to mention Tennents and Kopparberg! A sore head on Sunday methinks.

Arrival back at the hotel and some staff were a touch subdued. You would be, if your team had been thrashed 6-0. As a supporter of another Scottish team pointed out to me:  ”that’s revenge for being beaten in the cup”.

My next challenge didn’t quite come off. I intended on Easter Sunday to go to Arran on the ferry. The very helpful reception staff  looked up the times for me; but it wasn’t possible, logistically.

Plan B was to go to Stranraer (by bus). Note to self: read bus timetables carefully! Unfortunately, I had missed the bus departure from Kilmarnock Bus Station. The local wheelchair accessible taxi firm (big thanks to Bel Air Taxis) agreed  to drop me off at Ayr Bus Station.   I managed to catch the bus. It was wheelchair accessible too.

 I was struck by the fact the driver didn’t have a Scottish accent. It turned out he was Welsh – native of Prestatyn. Very helpful he was too. It’s a long journey(for those of you who want to undertake it). End to end is 2hrs 20 mins. The weather was cold, wet and miserable.

Stranraer is deadly dull, more so now the ferry terminal has been moved five miles up the coast to Loch Ryan.

The bus dropped me off, at the entrance to the railway station, after the driver told me, that the return journey goes only as far as Ayr! The last bus to Kilmarnock goes 5 minutes after the Ayr bus arrival. Now if something went wrong en route? You see where this is going? Way too risky!

Train back to Kilmarnock it was ! The station at Stranraer wasn’t so much teeming with passengers as teeming with rain. Facilities – basic!! Refreshments – Vending machine! Fortified by a Bounty Bar and two cups of tea, I waited along  with 2 other passengers, until it was time to board the train. The train was warmer than the waiting room!

 The rain eased off; and the sun shone, for about an hour of the return journey. Fabulous countryside ! Even if you’re not a railway enthusiast, it’s a line worth travelling on.

Kilmarnock was reached a few minutes late. Sure enough Bel Air Taxis were waiting to collect me!

The receptionist, true to her word, had found out the Bank Holiday Monday sailing times for the ferry; and handed me a printout.

Bank Holiday Monday arrived. The forecast was wrong (thankfully)! It was sunny but coolish. A quick call to Bel Air and I was on my way to the Bus Station. Here, I made a mistake,  that could have cost me dearly. I didn’t realise that the bus didn’t stop at Ardrossan Harbour. It goes straight into the Town Centre. It’s a long trek (in a wheelchair), past ASDA and across the level crossing to get to the Ferry Terminal!

I deliberately didn’t forewarn the Ferry Company,  that I was coming. I wanted to see what would happen? The Ferry Company staff allocated someone to get me on to the ferry. Do not attempt to board the ferry on your own in a wheelchair! It’s not possible, even if you had the muscles of a Paralympian. The gangplank is extremely steep!!

 Once onboard, though, it’s wheelchair friendly; and you can move around easily The bar and cafeteria have low counters. The staff are willing to take purchases to the table.

I sailed on the MV Caledonian Isles. By chance, I met someone who was from the Arran Chamber Of Commerce (I think?).  He asked me where I was going and pulled a face, when I said to spend a couple of hours on Arran. “It’s not very wheelchair friendly” he warned. I’m glad I knew then rather than later. There are some risks I will not take, if unaccompanied.  

So I stayed on the boat for the return crossing (each way it’s 55 minutes). 30 minute gap between sailings.

I had a decent Salmon meal on the way back.

Disaster struck on arrival at Ardrossan Harbour. I’m not sure of my facts, here, save to say that the gangplank  malfunctioned. Sixty odd cars had to be removed from the car deck first, before the foot passengers could be allowed to disembark through it! The lift could only accomodate three people at a time.

Fortunately, the Ferry Terminal staff, had warned me, that there are only two direct bus services per day to Ardrossan Harbour. Early morning andf late evening. I opted for the Boat Train back to Glasgow. It had been held for the reasons outlined above. Managed to catch a connecting service back to Kilmarnock later on.

Tuesday started off badly transport wise. Due to signalling problems at Glasgow Central, no trains were going into or out of the station. Scotrail (bless `em!) arranged at their expense, a w/chair accessible taxi to take me to Glasgow Central station.

Fair to say that the station resembled organised chaos! People unsure when they would (or even if) the could travel. Fair play to Network Rail (who are responsible for seeing that people with disabilities get the right train). Someone met me on the station after I’d grabbed a bite to eat.  

A hike across Central Station ensued, to reach the Low Level platforms (by lift). I was put on a train to Motherwell (where my southbound booked train was due to leave from). The train to Motherwell can only be described as a sardine can – it was rammed!

I felt sorry, for the Scotrail guy at Motherwell who put me on the train. I don’t think he knew, what had hit him!  All Glasgow bound trains were terminating , at Motherwell; and all Southbound trains were leaving from there!

I arrived in Birmingham, half an hour late. Missed the connection to Leeds by 4 minutes. Thanks again to Network Rail (seriously!) they “sweet talked” the train manager of the following train (which was going to Leeds also) to let me board. The standard class was already occupied by a wheelchair. He allowed me to stay in First Class at no extra cost, instead! A complimentary sandwich tea followed. I can’t complain.

Lots of positives from this trip. Scotrail (again) came out tops – a can do ethos which should be copied by others! Network Rail – couldn’t fault them. Bel Air Taxis – these guys were excellent – nothing was too much trouble for them.  Thanks to Stagecoach West Buses for their help and advice. Caledonian McBrayne Ferries for their help. Last but not least, The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock for yet another decent stay; and for looking up timetables etc. Much appreciated!

The Death Penalty

I hope, that anyone thinking, of reintroducing death penalty(in the UK), takes a long hard look, at events in the US last week?

We should all,  spare a thought for Mark McPhail,James Byrd Jr; and other victims, who have lost their lives, at the brutal hands of another human being.

It cannot be right, though, that the perpetrators are put to death, for their heinous deeds. What purpose does that serve, other than to satisfy feelings of bloodlust and revenge!

There is nothing wrong, with putting such perpetrators behind bars, without limit of time. Apart from anything else, lawyers do at least have chances, to uncover new evidence, which may prove their client’s innocence? Obviously, that’s no help, if they’re already executed!

It’s a shocking thought, that 3000 people are currently on Death Row! A deterrent it isn’t. Equally shocking, is the statistic that 173 prisoners have been freed from Death Row, on account of their innocence. Currently, on Death Row, the racial mix is 41% Black and 44% White. The rest made up of Hispanics etc. 

If the Death Penalty had been reintroduced in Britain, The Birmingham 6, Guildford 4, Stefan Kiszko, Sally Clarke and Stephen Downing,  would all have been executed by now! All were innocent of wrongdoing.

Do not get me wrong? All of the examples I have quoted, were alleged to have done, some terrible things. We must not forget those who died, as a result of them. However, we should also, not be prosecuting the wrong people either!

It is humbling to learn, that the families of James Byrd Jr and James Anderson, had asked for clemency, for their respective killers. In the case of Lawrence Brewer (who killed James Byrd Jr) it wasn’t  granted.  Mr Byrds death was particularly barbaric!!  I won’t go in to details here; but you can “Google” his name; and you’ll find the details. Mr Byrd’s family showed extraordinary compassion (in the circumstances) seeking clemency for Brewer. Let’s not forget, Lawrence Brewer went to his execution, an unrepentant killer!!

The case of James Anderson is also equally shocking. Again, I wont go into  details here. Look up www.deathpenaltyinfo.org for information on Mr Anderson’s ghastly fate!  A plea for clemency, for Deryl Dedmon, has not yet been responded  to.

The disturbing case of Troy Davis, who was executed last week in Georgia, should concern everyone? Why did 7 of 9 witnesses recant their statements? Why was no weapon or DNA found, at the scene of Mark McPhails death? Obviously, he died a brutal death. However, questions remain, as to who did it? If a former president; and an ex head of the FBI (no less!!), weigh in with concerns about this, something is wrong? Troy Davis was no angel – period!! He had already been convicted, for murdering someone else. Whether or not, he did murder Mark McPhail, is open to question?? It still doesn’t make it right, that he or any other murderer, should be executed.

If you’re undecided,  whether the Death Penalty is a good idea or not, “Google” three names:  Jimmy Lee Gray,Pedro Medina and Stephen McCoy. Then make your mind up.   A final thought, don’t look up these names (or the details of Mr Byrd’s or Mr Anderson’s deaths) before you go to bed (seriously!!).  You’ll have difficulty sleeping afterwards.

Making Assumptions!

There is nothing I hate, more than sloppy journalism! Why oh why are newspapers so quick, to make judgements, about people who have been arrested, or who have died?

The three examples I’m thinking of are, Christopher Jeffries; Rebecca Leighton and the late Mike Dye. None of whom I know. The first two people were arrested in connection with very serious crimes. One case is sub judice; and not yet, concluded in the courts. The other is not yet resolved; and still under investigation, by the Police. The third involved someone, who met an untimely and brutal death, outside Wembley Stadium. Likewise, also, still under investigation by the Police.

With regards to Mr Jeffries and Ms Leighton, it has been assumed, by certain sections of the press & you all know who the  culprits are, that they were/are guilty? Why? Because they had a bohemian lifestyle; partied a lot; looked odd on Facebook; were seen in the company of the deceased etc??

If this is the yardstick, with which we convict people, heaven help us!!  I am glad we don’t have the Death Penalty!  Whatever happened to, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty? I emphasise the word “proven”! Some tabloid readers (by their vitriolic comments) have shown themselves to be, woefully incapable of, rational thought let alone jury service!!!! Talk about pandering to prejudices.

 The third case is equally shocking. Leaving aside, the unimaginable distress distress of family,friends and workmates.  It is completely wrong, to bring up someone’s “alleged history of wrongdoing,” after they have died, in circumstances still under investigation. That’s rather like saying,  that they are the “author of their own misfortune”! Where is the proof???  An untimely and brutal death is just that!!! No one (I repeat) no one, deserves to lose their life, in such circumstances.

Could we please draw back; and await the outcome of any criminal trial, before drawing conclusions!!

In the case of the late Mr Dye, he’s not able to rebut the assumptions  made about him. That isn’t just sloppy journalism it is shameful!

High time for the tabloids to be reigned in.  It seems, that they are sadly incapable of self regulation.

Ayrshire Travels

Last week, I was up in Scotland. I spent four days in Ayrshire (stayed in Kilmarnock).

There is a direct train from Leeds to Glasgow Central (Virgin Cross Country). It takes just under 5 hours. It’s quite good for wheelchairs. An at seat trolley service provides refreshments, during the journey.   Once at Glasgow Central transferred to Kilmarnock train. They run frequently. Transfer between trains was smooth and trouble free (both outward and return).

Scotrail staff really know, how to look after people, with disabilities. Nothing was too much trouble for them. I cannot fault, either station staff or train  conductors,  in any way.

There was a slight problem on arrival at Kilmarnock (nothing to do with Scotrail). Local Taxi prebooked (24 hrs notice) did not appear. Station staff found an alternative  taxi (wheelchair accessible) . Thanks to Kilmarnock Taxi Owners Association and Bel Air Taxis for the transporting.

The hotel I stayed in was on the site of Rugby Park. For those of you who follow football, that is the home of Kilmarnock FC. The club own the hotel (The Park Hotel).  It is very wheelchair friendly (apart from the fire doors which can be difficult). I understand that these things have to be.  The staff, without exception, were very welcoming. They made sure that the stay passed off smoothly. Nothing was too much trouble for them. There was 24 hour room service.

The rooms were very spacious and comfortable. The low level bath had been well designed. Handrails appropriately placed etc. A lot of thought had gone into this. The ensuite bathroom was spacious too.

On a general note, they had a very clever energy saving idea. I have not seen this, in other hotels. Your room keycard also provided heating and lighting! Yes – you read that correctly!! I didn’t realise this, until reception pointed out, that there had not been a power cut. There was, a wall mounted slot – wheelchair height, in which you inserted the keycard. It heated and lit the room, for however long you were in. It was perfectly OK; and advisable to leave it in the slot, overnight (in case you had to get up?). Before you ask – no! – you weren’t presented with a massive bill, at the end of your stay! Heating and Electricity do not come as an extra!! As I said, a clever energy saving idea.

It was an all incusive B&B rate of £70 per night. I felt I got, what I paid for; and didn’t consider it, extortionate by any means.

The food was of a very high standard and reasonably priced. I certainly couldn’t complain at all.  There was a bar and a restaurant. The bar snack menu was very good. Even better was the upstairs restaurant. This is accessed by the lift and then a stairlift.

Depending on where you were seated, in the restaurant, you could get, a good view of the pitch at Rugby Park,. The stadium was just across the car park. Seeing it through a child’s eyes, It would be awesome!

On Monday (Bank Holiday in Scotland and England/Wales) I went off to Ayr for the day. The train journey goes through some lovely scenery. I have no interest in golf; but there are, numerous golf courses in the area. The most famous of which are Turnberry and Troon. The train also passes, within a few yards of Prestwick International Airport. It skirts the sea; and you can see Ailsa Rock, in the distance.

On arrival, at Ayr station, things can be a bit tricky, for a wheelchair user. If you want a taxi, You have to cross the railway line  (via the road bridge) to get to the taxi rank on the other side of the station. There are plenty of wheelchair accessible taxis in Ayr. 

I had the surreal experience, of being transported in to Ayr town centre, by a taxi driven by a native  of ………Leeds!! It really is a very small world at times!!

Ayr is a lovely friendly town. For those of you familiar with Yorkshire, It has been described, as a Scottish version of Harrogate! Very genteel.  It is quite wheelchair friendly. I didn’t have to ask anyone for assistance on pavements.

The shopping area  is quite extensive. You’ll find most high street names here.

I ate in the cavernous Malt Cross pub (14-18 New Bridge Street Ayr  KA7 1JX)which I can highly recommend. If you’re into Real Ales they do sell a range of the Ayr Brewing Company products.  

I should at this point, say that the weather was generally poor. On my visit to Ayr, it was cold and very windy;  and consequently, I didn’t get to see as much as I would like. 

A word of warning (for those of you who are football fans)? If you find yourself in The Courtyard Bar (32 Queens Court, Sandgate, Ayr, Scotland KA7 1LE) – do not, under any circumstances, utter the word “Kilmarnock”  ever!!  I made this unwitting error – only forgiven because the bar man realised I was English. The Courtyard is a focal point for Ayr FC supporters. Although Ayr and Kilmarnock play in different divisions, they hate each other, with a passion.

The Courtyard is wheelchair friendly. No food, apart from Sundays ,when they prepare a roast.

Tuesday was a mistake  (a big one!). As a child, I had fond memories of Girvan. I wanted to go back, as an adult, to see what it was like? Tuesday produced torrential rain in Ayrshire. It rained all the way to Girvan (a couple of train stops away from Ayr).  It rained even more whilst I was there. You don’t need me to tell you, how unpleasant torrential rain is, for a wheelchair user (let alone anyone else)!

 Girvan is not wheelchair friendly at all. Come to that, with a couple of exceptions, it wasn’t a friendly place either. There are no wheelchair accessible taxis at all  – be warned!  To get from the station, to the town,  requires very strong arms!  There is a very steep slope from the station. The pavements are quite narrow as well.

Girvan is very rundown. Allegedly, the harbour has been “regenerated” ? Did the money run out, when they came to the town? Boarded up premises doesn’t bode well?

After a nondescript cheese toastie in a non descript cafe, I decided to cut my losses and head home. As the slope back to the station would not have been pushable, unaided, I “chanced my arm” and tested the local bus service. A pleasant  surprise. The bus back to Ayr  (Stagecoach Western) was wheelchair friendly. Apparently, there is free concessionary travel, if you have a disablity and live in Scotland. Otherwise, a trip from Girvan to Ayr costs £4.90. 

The bus journey, again, goes through some lovely countryside; and for a while, skirts the sea.

From Ayr, It was back on the Scotrail direct service to Kilmarnock.

Wednesday, I decided to go to Dumfries for the day. There is a direct Scotrail service from Kilmarnock to Dumfries. The train originates in Glasgow Central and goes to Carlisle.

The train journey goes through some magnificent scenery. It takes about an hour to get to Dumfries. The trains run two hourly.

The station does have a wc suitable for wheelchairs . There is a good cafe on the platform (independently run) – had a decent scampi lunch – friendly staff. The problem for a wheelchair user is similar to Girvan – steep slope to town.

 Also be warned - there are no wheelchair accessible taxis in Dumfries at all! This I found astonishing, for a town the size of Dumfries!

The town cannot be said to be (totally) wheelchair friendly. There is an indoor shopping centre; but it is nondescript; and nothing to write home about.  It is simply not possible (otherwise) to get around,  entirely unaided (in a manual wheelchair) . The pavements in parts are very narrow. It’s rather hilly.  There is flat stretch by the river (to be fair).  

Unfortunately, I’m sorry to be negative, I was given conflicting information (by the locals) on how to get back to the railway station (so got lost ). This was time consuming, to say the least. Because of time constraints, I curtailed the trip. Have to say, I was disappointed at what I found. The station staff at Dumfries did empathize with me  about this.

All in all, It was a “mixed bag”. The weather was generally poor. On the plus side, Ayr was a real gem, Kilmarnock itself isn’t too bad. The taxi drivers, bus driver, Scotrail staff and hotel staff could not be faulted. Dumfries and Girvan were real disapointments though. I wouldn’t recommend either for wheelchair users.

Will I return? In a word – yes!! Lots more to see in Ayrshire – Wemyss Bay, Gourock, Ardrossan and Troon  – all mentioned by reception staff at the hotel;  and I cannot wait, to go back to The Park in Kilmarnock – enjoyed my stay there. There is nothing to beat Scottish hospitality.

Greed!

The madness goes on! £24million for Nasri this time. Oh and another thing – just found out that Samuel Eto’o is on £348000 per week!!! That”s obscene. As has already been observed (by others), it would feed his entire nation quite happily, for a week! Simple word for this - Greed!!!!! Who pays for this largesse?? That’s right – the ordinary fan who has saved up to watch their team!

Stalybridge Station Buffet Bar.

Visited Stalybridge Station Buffet Bar on Friday. High time i went back there (last visit August Bank Holiday Monday 2010). Great job of repainting the station – looks much better.

 Why oh why have the powers that be, removed the benches from the platform? Part of, the attraction of the place, was being able to eat your meal; and drink your pint, looking out over the Pennines. Now if you want, to sit outside, the tables face the car park and the fire station -very pretty -not!

 Evidently, someone from on high (railway company) decided, that on the basis of,  one incident further down the line - towards Huddersfield ( police were involved) to remove the benches. The no drinking policy on the platform is enforced by the BTP. A bit draconian, if you ask me;  but that always happens, when the minority spoil it for the majority.

The hypocrisy of this  ruling was demonstrated, by seeing people getting off the train from Huddersfield carrying open bottles of……..beer!  Hmmm! Do you see where I’m coming from?

On the plus side , As usual, visitors are assured of a warm welcome from Sylvia and the girls. Plenty of real ales to choose from; and of course, their legendary bar snacks! The full English Breakfast not to be missed.  Their sandwiches and jacket potatoes are excellent too. Good value for money and a great atmosphere.

Well worth a visit and I will return soon!

Prison For Theft? No! – An Alternative Punishment? Yes!

If the figures are to be believed, apparently, there are 1500 places left in Britain’s prisons? If looters keep being  jailed, at this rate, the prisons will be full, by the end of August. Then what? It’s a policy doomed to failure.

Thieves shouldn’t be jailed! Outrageous I hear you say? I have another idea? Theft is a crime and is wrong and illegal (choose who commits it). Let’s get that out, in to the open, straightaway.  Punishment there must be. But do we need, to jail people who steal bottles of water? I think not?  

How about hitting thieves, where it really will hurt? In their pockets! I make no distinction, here, between those who steal bottled water: or milk the expenses system  (at a cost to the taxpayer). Both acts are very wrong!

Fine them a four figure sum (£1000 say lower end of scale. £10000 at top end of scale) ? Give them 7 working days (no more) to pay. Also they acquire a criminal record. On the Seventh working day (if they’ve not paid) add 10% interest  Send  in the bailiffs to recover £1100 worth of goods plus the cost of the bottled water.  If it meant, loss of an X-box,Nintendo Wii , TV so be it. Tough! Theft is theft.

If said TV,Nintendo Wii and X-box is stolen to replace items( legitimately lifted by bailiffs) repeat the process. £1000 fine plus 10% interest (if not paid within 7 working days). Send in the bailiffs to recover the £1100 worth of goods plus the cost of the stolen X-box etc.

At the top end of the scale (MP’s and Professionals) should expect a fine of £10000? Same rules apply – add 10% interest on the seventh working day. Send in the bailiffs, to recover £11000 worth of goods plus the cost of the stolen items. If offence is repeated, do the same again, until the message gets through. In this case, if you lose your car,bicycle, scooter, sports equipment- tough!

Sooner or later, that cycle will be broken. Thieves will soon, get fed up of having their ill gotten gains taken off them. The message must be reinforced, that theft is illegal, and there are severe consequences.

It’ll be a time consuming process. At least though, thieves will be kept out of prison. Underpinning this, must be effective support, in the community, to help them mend their ways. By that,I mean substance misuse services and homelessness agencies.

Fraud could also be dealt with in a similar fashion?

If you defraud an employer of say £100000, you should be fined £100000, and given seven working days to pay (and a criminal record obviously). On the seventh working day, 10% interest is added to the figure. The bailiffs are sent in to retrieve £110000 worth of goods. Theoretically, could mean the loss of your house? Tough! Fraud is fraud, whichever way you look at it. It would concentrate the minds, of those who are tempted to commit the offence, in the first place.

Prisons should be reserved for violent offenders (Assault to Grievous Bodily Harm), Attempted Murder/Murder,Robbery (especially armed!),Rape, Child Abuse,Animal Cruelty, Blackmail, Causing death by dangerous driving. Driving under the influence (in cases where death and injury occur) and Treason.

To do nothing is not an option. Filling prisons with people who shouldn’t be there, in the first place (thieves,fine defaulters,Council tax non payers and especially, the mentally ill), is not an option either.

Time for a rethink?

London Bus Odyssey!

Early last week, I was in London. The intention was, to see what the capital’s bus services were like, for wheelchair users? It had taken some pre planning!

The “seed” was originally sown, on a previous trip to London in May. Whilst in Regent Street, a friend had remarked, that a lot of buses had wheelchair symbols on the side? ” I wonder if you can go from one end of London to the other on a bus?” he queried. “Hmmm! I don’t know?” I replied. Maybe  I should find out? I thought. So the idea was born.

I made some enquiries and decided upon a couple of routes. I knew, it couldn’t be done, all in one day. London is too vast for that.  I settled upon going, from East to West and North to South. The proviso being, that I was alone and unaided. The original intention was, to go to Barking and then west to Uxbridge.  To High Barnet in the north and Croydon in the south. It didn’t quite work out like that!

On Monday evening, there were  some city wide riots occurring! Unrest broke out in Euston (where I was staying) . Opposite the hotel, the looters damaged the photographic shop. They were wearing hoods and wielding bats .

When I switched on the TV, It became clear, that some alterations to the itinerary, would have to be made! Throughout the evening, reports indicated, that various parts of London were being looted. I would be lying, If I didn’t admit to being uneasy.

Come Tuesday I did a “weathercheck” and decided to head out anyway. There were, contingency plans in place, in case anything went wrong.

The plan had been to originally to go to Barking (furthest east). As we now know, there had been some trouble in Barking (the night before). This included the  infamous incident of the Malaysian student who was “helped” by so called “Good Samaritans”. They were nothing of the sort! Along with, the sight of Reeves’ furniture store in Croydon being burnt down, the images of the student being robbed will  stick with me, for awhile.

The starting point, of each of the journeys, was Euston Bus Station. It was convenient for the hotel.

Almost all London buses, with the exception of the Routemasters, are wheelchair accessible. The drivers I encountered, over two days, were friendly and well trained. The drill was, that you signalled a bus to stop  (if out on the road) and pressed a button on the side of the bus. The driver then lowered the platform, to enable the wheelchair user to board the bus. You have to travel with your wheelchair facing the passengers,  for safety reasons. The buses have pre-recorded announcements for  each stop. There is also, a push button in the wheelchair space, so that you can alert the driver, that you want to get off? Incidentally, bus travel for wheelchair users in London is free.

If at Euston Bus Station, the bus drivers would lower the platform anyway. 

So to the eastbound journey. Barking was clearly off the itinerary. I set out instead for Canning Town Bus Station.  After a change of bus, in the City I headed east along the Thames and past Canary Wharf. I was surprised to see, tucked away, behind all those tall  buildings belonging to HSBC /Barclays etc, there was a housing estate! I also travelled past the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel (that’s a huge building).

 As the bus neared Canning Town, a woman got on board and struck up a conversation, with me. She asked me, where I was going and what I was doing? I didn’t answer the second question. When I told her Canning Town Bus Station her face dropped ! She was one of these people who had obviously been around  awhile  She asked me, if I was stopping In Canning Town?  I said “not for very long” and she suggested, that it might be a good idea, if I took the next bus westward. She said “It’s all going to kick off here shortly”. I asked her what she meant; and she replied, that the word “on the street” was that there  was going to be a disturbance?  I figured out, that she was concerned for my safety. As the westbound bus was heading away from Canning Town, sure enough there was! Police had apparently advised traders to shut shop early. They were out, in numbers, trying to contain the disorder. A narrow squeak!

The bus westward only went, as far as Aldgate (near Liverpool Street). From there,  you have to change, to go as far as Oxford Circus.

 There is something surreal (about) seeing police officers in Oxford Street, on a Tuesday afternoon, in riot gear talking to tourists.  Oddly enough, I didn’t find it reassuring! What with 8 vans parked nearby as well,  a strange landscape it was too.

The bus from Oxford Street went westward towards Acton. I had intended going onwards to Uxbridge. As we drove through Bayswater, Holland Park etc it became clear, that the traders were shutting up shop early. This was a bad sign! 

Again word got around, that there was likely to be trouble in the area. As the bus pulled in to Shepherds Bush opposite the Westfield Centre, The sight of  police cars, convinced me that plans needed to be changed. A chat with a police officer, left me in no doubt  that, I shouldn’ t hang around, longer than  necessary. Time to head back to Euston via Camden Town.

The bus journey back was a revelation (and not a pleasant one either!). Without exaggerating, I’ve never seen damage, on the scale that was evident on Tuesday evening. Buildings in Chalk Farm (for example) had been indiscriminately  damaged. There was more of this to be seen on Wednesday.

The  east to west leg was successfully completed.

The north bound leg took place on Wednesday (10th August). I headed out (again) from Euston Bus Station towards High Barnet Station  – change at Archway. Archway is a bit hilly especially, as the bus stop for Barnet is round a corner. It can be done if you’ve got strong arms. Barnet is even hillier; but still can be done, if you’ve got strong arms!

Northbound leg completed – nothing to write home about (other than the bizarre sight of a convoy of Welsh police vans). After a bite to eat, time to head south. Again this necessitated, a change at Archway (downhill this time!).

I took a bus back, towards Kings Cross Station. Here, through my own fault , something went awry. I picked the wrong bus from the wrong bus stop. There were two bus stops, close to each other, facing the same direction. The only saving grace, was that the bus was heading in a southerly direction,  to Streatham and not Croydon! I figured out that, as long as the river was crossed, in a southerly direction that would be sufficient?

Another change of bus in Streatham and a bus looked as though it was heading towards Croydon.  Shortly before Croydon, there took place a very surreal incident ! A woman got on board, clearly spoiling for an argument. She told the driver she didn’t have an Oyster card:  or a Travelcard and was not going to pay her fare. The driver switched off the engine;  and proceeded  to have,  a heated exchange with her.Some of the other passengers and I,  exchanged non verbal conversation;  and we decided, to leave the woman to have an argument with the driver!  Not sure whether she had a weapon or a mobile phone  (was this pre-empting a riot?). I’m in two minds, as to how this could have been dealt with? On the one hand,  the driver could have gone to the nearest police station. Given the situation, across London at the time, it would have been understandable  if officers had said: “do you not think we’ve got bigger fish to fry?” Alternatively, he could have waited for police assistance at the bus stop. I shall never know how that was resolved!

Heading back to Euston Bus Station, there was a change of buses in Brixton. the looting in Brixton (again) was severe and indiscriminate.  The bus headed back in to the capital through Camberwell,Denmark Hill etc. Again, there was severe and indiscriminate damage, on a scale I’ve never seen before. Another bus change, in Kings Cross, was required before an uneventful journey back to Euston.

 I did enjoy those two days-very good weather (which helps!).  I learnt that you had to live by your wits and instincts. TfL have clearly got it right with their wheelchair accessible buses. I have submitted my thoughts, to Transport For London; and can find nothing, to complain about.

Succinct Thought

Someone very cleverly describe the recent riots as: “the opening of a can of worms in front of the elephant in the room”. Think about it??

Rail Fares!

Here is another absurdity! Rail fares rising by 8%  (more than the current rate of inflation). Does anyone remember the last  Government’s pledge to improve rail services (and get people off the roads)?  Laudable but didn’t happen.  Why price people off the trains – not helpful to low income families: or those who work and have to pay for a season ticket!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14538167