I bought an air fryer and I'm already admitting defeat

OK I'm defeated by my purchase of an air fryer.

It was supposed to be easy peasy to work with.

First off the instruction leaflet had multiple languages to overcome.

English was printed was so small I needed magnifying glasses to interpret it.

Eventually, through trial and error, and a gentle thump it worked.

I threw some simple chips in to test my new purchase.

They are whirring away nicely now as I write but buzzes gurgles and tings makes me apprehensive with what the result will be!

Made in China was on the leaflet and I feel saddened that all our English products have got to the wall.

Phil Shepherdson,

Woodthorpe,

York

---

More financial support needed for these students

THE recent Panorama investigation highlighted serious concerns about the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), particularly around the collection of payments and growing arrears. However, another issue deserves attention: the fact that child maintenance and Child Benefit normally stop when a young person starts university.

This policy makes little sense in today's world.

University is often the most expensive stage of a young person's education. Maintenance loans frequently fall short of covering accommodation, food, travel and study costs, especially in cities such as London. As a result, many students remain heavily dependent on parental support throughout their degree.

Yet, under current rules, a non-resident parent's legal obligation to contribute ends just as costs begin to reach their highest level. The financial burden then falls almost entirely on the parent with whom the student normally lives.

This creates an unfair situation for children of separated parents. In many households where parents remain together, both continue to support their children financially through university. Children from separated families, however, can lose a significant source of support at a crucial time.

Turning 18 does not automatically make someone financially independent. If society encourages young people to pursue higher education, support systems should reflect that reality.

A sensible reform would be to continue CMS payments, perhaps at a reduced rate, until the completion of a first degree. Doing so would help students focus on their studies, reduce pressure on single-parent families and ensure that children are not disadvantaged simply because their parents no longer live together.

John Jones,

Russet House,

Birch Close,

York

---

Burst water main exposes York traffic problems again

THE water main burst on Haxby Road exposes once again the dystopian failure of a rigid inflexible traffic system where one unexpected blockage brings the city to a near grinding halt.

It is all the more evident to people living in the western part of The Groves who used to have alternative vehicle access from Huntington Road but thanks to the LTN (Low Traffic Neighbourhood) road closures they are effectively trapped in certain streets.

They cannot drive in or out without being caught in the snarl up on Haxby Road. The same goes for delivery drivers trying to service homes and shops in that part of The Groves. Not to mention of course the refuse lorry which needs access to empty the bins.

Traffic congestion in this city is self inflicted by the negativity of traffic planners. It doesn’t have to be like this. If there was a proper contingency response in place to rapidly open up closed roads to allow at least a temporary diversion then much of the misery currently being suffered could be avoided.

Matthew Laverack,

Lord Mayors Walk,

York

What do you think?

Feel strongly about an issue? Write us a letter. Please write no more than 250 words and you must provide your full name, address and mobile number. Send your views by email to: letters@thepress.co.uk

Write a comment

Join the debate and leave a comment in our comments section below this article – we may use your comments for a follow up article.