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Helplines are no help to the hard-up
HELPLINES were set up with the aim of doing just that – giving help to those who need it most.
Yet phone lines run by the Government are doing the complete opposite by charging users extortionate rates to ring them.
As a result, Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau warns that people are going into debt rather than forking out the cost of dialling to claim the benefits to which they're entitled.
This absurd situation dates back to the 1990s when helplines were introduced with no thought of making mobile calls to them free in the same way they are from landlines.
But times have changed and the CAB estimates that half its clients now rely on a mobile.
In fact, that's probably been the case for some time – which makes it even harder to understand why the authorities still haven't taken action to remedy it.
Times are tough and those who find themselves in financial strife need all the help they can get to keep their heads above water.
The shameful practice of charging people exorbitant sums to claim the cash that could keep them afloat offers a kick in the teeth rather than a helping hand.
In the slow lane
THE race to Leeds city centre between cycle, motorbike and car was a bit of fun that had a serious side too.
It reinforced what we already know – that vast swathes of the city and outlying areas grind to a halt at peak times during the day.
It was certainly no surprise that the cyclist got to the finish line in double quick time.
In fact, even a runner on foot beat the time set by the sole motorist in the race.
The result may just persuade some that pedal power is the answer.
After all, cycling doesn't just benefit our health it also helps the planet.
But others will need convincing that the bike is the best option for them – such as assurances that we won't be battling lorries for space on the road.
That's why the Leeds Cycle Network should be extended to cover the whole city.
Only when we know cycling to work is safe as well as convenient will more of us feel comfortable swapping four wheels for two.
Put to good use
CHURCHES are being turned into all manner of things these days.
Sadly, few of them do justice to the buildings' former lives as sacred places of worship.
But after seeing its churches transformed into nightclubs, bars and trendy flats, Leeds is finally getting a conversion it can feel good about.
The former St Margaret of Antioch church is being brought back into use as a space for arts and music.
It's great to see such a fine building get a second lease of life.
Even better that it's one that will provide a resource for the whole community, not just a select few with spare cash to splash.
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Weather for Leeds
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
