Pre-payment urged to combat petrol theft
A letter writer has called on UK petrol stations to adopt a pre-payment system, following a personal experience in the US. Paul Taroni of Alton, Hampshire, recounted visiting Massachusetts and forgetting to take his card into the gas station before filling up. After a loudspeaker reminder, he apologized, explaining that pre-payment is not standard in the UK. The owner laughed and asked, 'How do you stop people stealing gas?' Taroni replied, 'We don't.' The owner found this amusing but Taroni concluded, 'Sadly, it’s time we did start not releasing pumps until we have cash or a card deposit on hand.'
Health visitor's simple idea
In another letter, Bridget Patterson of Woodbridge, Suffolk, recalled a health visitor who, nearly 50 years ago, asked her to deliver a message to another mother with a new baby further up their north London street. This led to a friendship between the mothers and their sons. Patterson praised the health visitor for addressing the wider social determinants of health and urged, 'Bring them back!'
Andy Burnham's optimism
Mike Storey of Peterborough expressed a desire for Andy Burnham to bring optimism and a sense that things are finally going to get better, after a decade of miserableness and being told to face hard truths.
DIY disasters
Pat Begg of Stockport, Greater Manchester, humorously noted that in their household, DIY stands for 'Destroy it yourself,' acknowledging their lack of skill in such jobs.
