Dial-a-ride difficulties

Published: 28 April, 2011

• THE issue of inadequacies in the dial-a-ride system affects not just users of the Leisure Club at Highbury New Park Day Centre but many other people who need help to get about. 

With Doreen Scott and her friends raising awareness, perhaps now is the moment when it will be possible to improve the dial-a-ride service, not just to help their group but to help all the other people who have difficulties with it.

The issue of free school meals is completely different. Very few adults in any income bracket eat the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables, and most eat too much salt, fat and sugar. 

We need to encourage healthier eating habits in our children, and providing free school meals is a courageous effort for the council in that direction. 

Investing in better health for our children is bound to save money and heartache later on. The social aspect of coming together informally over a meal should not be underestimated either.

One of my great nephews attended a primary school with a breakfast club. His family provided breakfast for his older brother, but this boy preferred to eat with his friends at school. Bringing the children together before school not only ensured that less fortunate children got a chance to start the day with something wholesome to eat, but also that they were all ready and in place when the school day began. 

I would like to see that opportunity available for Islington children. Perhaps now that more children are staying to eat their council-provided free midday meals, we could bring some of the parents on board to raise money for breakfast clubs in our schools.

VIRGINIA LOW
Queen’s Head Street, N1