Sarah: Good morning, Brian. My name is Sarah Greene.

Brian: Welcome to our programme, Sarah. What’s your query today?

Sarah: Well, I’ve always admired your programme ´cause it allows ordinary citizens to air our views… and share them…

Brian: Thank you. So what would you like to comment on?

Sarah: I’m speaking on behalf of a group of neighbours living in a tower block in the East End of Manchester, between two busy street markets. Naturally, we suffer from traffic, noise, dirt and petrol fumes.

Brian: Is that your complaint, Sarah?

Sarah: No, Brian, not yet! I need to add that we have an open green space with shady trees behind us, and these trees provide us with a quiet, pleasant place where we enjoy our leisure hours. We are mostly pensioners and there are very few children on the estate.

Brian: So what’s wrong with that, Sarah?

Sarah: Well, our local council recently proposed to make use of this site as a temporary play centre for about 100 children.

Brian: Have you done anything about it?

Sarah: Yes! We have protested against this plan in different ways. We have sent emails, letters, even spoken on the phone …but the council have never paid attention to us. What’s worse, they have already started uprooting trees and grass…

Brian: Would you say there´s some kind of alternative solution to this problem?

Sarah: There’s a disused school and playground within 300 metres… It could serve their purpose just as well…

Brian: I’d advise you to try and make a personal appointment with a member of the local council. That would give you the chance to be heard face-to-face. Why don’t you contact Councillor John Edwards? I believe he’s the right person to talk to. You can book an appointment at the council offices. He’s used to considering everyday problems, and usually comes up with practical solutions.

Sarah: I’ll do that, Brian, thank you very much for your advice.