Perth Voice Interactive

No free rangers on Friday
TOO bad if you had a problem on Friday November 13 and needed Vincent’s rangers.
I called to advise of a footpath obstruction and significant safety hazard on Florence Street in West Perth and was politely told, “I am sorry, the rangers are moving offices today so there will not be anyone available to speak to until Monday”.
How ridiculous, surely it doesn’t take every single ranger to move an office. I can’t for the life of me see why they could not have someone take my call and why at least one was not kept in the field to deal with emergencies.
Shame on you, City of Vincent. I implore you to examine your operations and do more to deliver the standard of service ratepayers expect.
Shannon Daniels
Loftus St, West Perth

Give less, it’s a kindness not a cruelty
AS a resident living at Beaufort Street I have been a witness to the continuing shenanigans by Vincent council regarding Weld Square and the Manna food service (“Manna stays,” Perth Voice, November 14, 2015).
The problem goes back some time when Weld Square was an empty park with a place opposite — “The Lonely Saloon” — where people could buy alcohol, etc. Now of course the situation has changed, the bar being replaced by Tynne Square with IGA and apartments and so on.
Indeed, as you are probably aware this whole area is now undergoing full-on change and, with increasing urbanisation, the character of the place has changed.
I do not wish to comment on whether this is good or bad, suffice to say most incumbents of the park are drunk, disorderly and prone to violence — thus making it an unsafe place for residents.
This is exacerbated by the magnet of the free delivery of food, which only last week resulted in a stabbing incident!
So just changing the time of the feeding frenzy will not eliminate the basic problems.
I suggest there should be no set days for the food van and it should instead arrive at random times, such that people are forced to look for a job and do something constructive instead of sitting on their behinds and basking in the Perth sun. Making it harder is an act of kindness, not cruelty.
Further, there is an Aboriginal Advancement Council building nearby with full kitchen and catering facilities and I do not see why this venue cannot be used, as it would also lead to the instilling of some dignity.
On another note regarding the supplementary article, “Sleeping hungry is a hard thing”, I am appalled that Penny and Coomer (plus mob) have the audacity to even complain of “an empty belly” at night.
By their own admission they have been having free handouts since 1975. I think these people should be told to get a job, do something, be proud and achieve independence.
Sasha Verma
Beaufort St, Perth

Malvern Star Mercedes?
HOPEFULLY the ongoing proliferation of bike lanes throughout Vincent won’t see a repeat of Stirling’s “Mercedes men” (Voice, November 14, 2015) happening over the border.
I am sure both Mayor Carey and CEO Kosova are happy with their Malvern Stars, unless of course either are serious contenders for the Tour de France! Only then might ratepayers see value in a prestigious luxury upgrade like our neighbours north of Green Street.
Glenn Christie
Vincent St, Mount Lawley