(Image: (Image: Dylan Connell))
Give trees a barcode to avoid similar 'Walmgate incident'
The recent incident of the tree falling in Walmgate, York, fortunately with no one hurt or too much damage incurred, highlights the dangers with trees as they age.
Perhaps it would be an idea for all trees to have a barcode attached to them.
Weeping willow has only a 20 to 30-year life span, apple 20 years, rowan 120 years, beech 180 to 200 years.
The London plane tree (Platanus x Acerifolia) planted in Parliament Street, York, has a life expectancy of 100 to 300+.
If trees had a barcode, we could remove them before they caused any harm.
Many things have a "sell by" date, food being the main item.
If we carry that over to trees, it certainly would prevent many unfortunate incidents similar to the incident in Walmgate, York.
D M DeamerPenleys Grove StreetMonkgate, York___
Give me home-grown talent any day
I am a lifelong supporter of professional football from the old Division One to Division Four, but since the Premier League was formed, clubs have forsaken "local talent" in favour of a supposed galaxy of expensive overseas players.
Consequently, my interest in these clubs has significantly diminished in favour of those in the lower divisions who still play home-grown talent.
Peter RickabyMoat WayBrayton, North Yorkshire___
War-weary world
Almost every day we hear about war in so many places: the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, much of Africa, Ireland, the South China Sea, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, and more.
All countries have a right to defend themselves, but much of today’s aggression is offensive, not defence.
Trump said the USA was not going to get involved in more "foreign wars," but he, along with Israel, has prompted more!
It is justifiable to eliminate an "imminent" threat that is genuine, but Iraq and Iran, and Lebanon are/were not!
It is so easy to start a war, far harder to end one.
Nations (especially the USA) should act multilaterally when acting around the world.
By this I do not mean the UN Security Council, who appear to be in a Cold War time warp.
They should not have a veto over our actions.
World leaders need to engage in hard diplomatic work before rushing into all-out war.
There needs to be recognition of international norms.
Have a "soft heart" but not a "soft head!"
There is not much wrong with a policy of "tough love."
We are all humans, but sadly many countries have barely any laws, have children of 12 years old wielding machetes and AK-47s.
Few wars have a real winner!
David QuarrieLynden WayHolgate, York___
Peace a pipe dream
Hamas is now complaining that Israel won’t comply with Trump’s peace bill.
It all depends on Hamas disarming.
That is a pipe dream; it will never happen.
They are fervently devoted to the total destruction of Israel.
That’s why they will not disarm.
If anyone thinks they will, they are delusional.
M HorsmanMoorland Road, York___
Glen Gardens
Can you please tell me who was the "bright spark" who agreed to replace the children’s play equipment in Glen Gardens during the school holidays?
Dennis ShawEast Parade, York
What do you think?
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