This week, I have been attempting to sleep in my bedroom. You would think that the bedroom would be a tranquil place to go to, somewhere where you can go at the end of a long, busy day, shut the door away from a life of problems, barriers and road closures! somewhere, where you can allow yourself to be at utter peace and indulge in your favourite past time or simply lay in your humble abode. I’m afraid I have been unable to do any of those little luxuries this week, why? I hear you ask? simply because a bunch of utter idiots have seen fit to erect a monstrosity of a house of which is located right at the rear of my property. From my window I once had the pleasurable experience of gazing upon green, grassy meadows and watch sheep and horses graze, with the sounds of birds whistling a song of praise on a loop. Not the case at all of course, my view was once looking towards the Netto (now Asda) delivery warehouse and a piece of wasted good English land which is situated behind the superstore. Hardly picturesque, but I would prefer to see the comings and goings of a supermarket rather than a simple brick wall. Now, however I can see nothing other than just that... a brick wall! a wall of a new build which a bunch of morons have had permission to put up. How they got planning permission I have no idea, I keep looking out of the window almost preying that somebody has forced them too remove brick by brick or that the sudden winds have forced down a brick or two, or three, or even an entire wall.
I believe my new neighbours are from the Gypsy community, which I have no problem with at all... just that if they must build a property in the land located at the back of my row of houses, why have I drawn the short straw were they saw fit to build it exactly behind my bedroom for goodness sake. Whoever gave them permission is clearly lacking in brain cells and as a result of this I’m lacking in sleep! I can see no end in site yet for being woken up by some overly large digger, of which just seems to be tossing soil from one pile to another. I shall continue to shout profanities through the window until they see fit to stop doing building work at ridiculous times of the morning and disturbing my sleep pattern. I expect no less anymore, though I do expect a decent night’s sleep, only to be woken by an irritating alarm clock rather than a large roaring machine.
There seems to be a grey cloud hanging over Atherton this week, a grey cloud of bad news! Atherton Online has been rife with people stating their thoughts and opinions on the Bolton Road bridge closure which came into effect from Monday. Many of you have been flocking to our Facebook page for updates and I’m afraid the whole saga is one big thunderstorm! Please do keep sending us your thoughts and complain to Wigan MBC, all this is a fine example of how NOT to plan a road closure. Marlborough Road has been gated off with apparently residents and Emergency services given a key in order to gain access too and from if needed. I, and many others are FULLY aware that Buses would be unsuitable to go down Marlborough road due to the sheer width and tight corners, so anybody pointing that out, once more... we’re aware! Do keep your thoughts and opinions coming into us and just how the estimated 7 mile detour is effecting your journey’s. Many thanks to Phil Rawnsley for his continued updates and comments in regards to the closure. I am sure we shall all endeavour to not let this major inconvenience dictate and ruin our journeys, but of course it is one piece of hassle we could all do without... cheer up Atherton, Christmas is upon us!
Have you all managed to go into the new Asda on Bolton Road yet? I ask, due to my Grandad commenting on not just the prices in store, but the shoddy customer service! It seems that staff are vacating tills and instead standing along side the self service facility and telling customers to check out their shopping themselves. Many, clearly not wanting to do this are instead queueing at the kiosk and causing what could be avoided, long queues. My Grandad witnessed someone with a full trolley of goods leave the store and the trolley at the tills due to them not serving him personally, but instead demanding he used self service. Please do get in touch with us if you have noticed the same as this is unacceptable and complaints need to be issued.
This week, I am discussing a new scheme which the Goverment launches next week for low income families who do not have home access to the internet. I bring my thoughts on this and also the Goverment... are they really in touch with the families who need as much help as possible? HMV, the High Streets leading Entertainment chains boss has stated that CD'S could be "obsolete" in just 5 years... is this the end for the once loved Compact Disc? Also, HMV'S sales slumped 15% over the last few months, but with online sites such as Amazon being over 75% cheaper, is it really any wonder? & A survey has shown us Brits apologise more than 2,900 per year... but do we really have anything to apologise about?
Government Launch free Laptop scheme for low income families - [VIEW HERE]
CD'S could be "obsolete" in just 5 years says HMV Chief - [VIEW HERE]
Brits Apologise over 2,900 times per year & over 8 times per day says survey - [VIEW HERE]
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matt.howarth@athertononline.co.uk & I may post your comments next week! See my new Column every Wednesday here at Atherton Online!
Over on my website this week I discuss why opportunities are knocking and exactly why I am excited about the upcoming week, I reveal my thoughts on this years Strictly Come Dancing lineup and why I think it may be the best lineup in years, Simon Cowell’s Red Or Black game show was a commercial failure... I discuss why I am happy to see him in the black. Jonathan Ross returns with his new chat show... but was it better first time round? & All Hail Pamela Anderson! [VIEW HERE]
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