Two-child limit divides opinions

THE credit crunch has made the headlines for the past year, with the cost of living spiralling upwards.

One organisation is promoting a radical way to help families with financial crises and to beat global warming.

The Optimum Population Trust is calling on couples to limit themselves to two children — big families, it says, are as environmentally unfriendly as gas-guzzling cars.

Reporter USMA RAJA went to Chadderton precinct to find out what people thought of the proposal.

SO should parents stop at two children? Well, the local community gave a mixed reaction with some for and others very much against the plan.

Patricia Smith (52), said it was ridiculous: “I’ve got seven children and I don’t agree with the proposal.

“It doesn’t make a big difference to have more than two children. It is a rubbish idea and no one should have the right to tell people how many children they should have. It won’t work.”

Beryl Henderson (82) said: “I only had one and I’m sorry because I think my daughter feels lonely sometimes even though she has many friends.

“I think it might work because having too many does overpopulate the world.”

Angela Thompson (60) thought it was a good idea. She said: “There’s already too many people in the world.

“I think the proposal will work because you can look after children better when you have one to two and you tend to have more money to spend on them.

“I have a grown-up son and I’m happy with that.”

David Halroyd (48), of Milnrow, gave the idea the thumbs up, adding: “It’s a good idea and it won’t do any harm to me.”

Kevin Beese (46), of Royton, said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic idea because many people are having children for financial reasons and it’s having an impact on everybody else.

“It’s not doing the society or the world any good. I have two children and I think that is fantastic. One of each isn’t bad at all.”

Rubia Khatun (35), who has five children, disagreed with the idea. She said: “I like big families. It’s not up to the trust to decide how many children people should have.”

Mothassir Ali (23) said: “I think it’s understandable because Britain is getting overcrowded like other countries such as China and Japan.

“Teenage pregnancies are a problem and that isn’t helping the situation. I feel that if a couple can look after children then it is up to them.

“There shouldn’t be any restrictions for them.”

Angela Bailey (37) said: “It is ridiculous — it’s up to people. There’s only so much the trust and the government can tell us to do.

“I have four children and I am of the opinion that one more would not make a difference.

“I live on Washbrook estate where we have big four and five-bedroom properties.

“We have people with many children there and it’s nice to see them.”