Although the photo database has traced vandals (and well done for that) what the authorities need to seriously consider is allowing any unused large area of wall to be made available for legal graffiti art.

This would not only reduce vandalism, but create an attraction for youngsters.

It would also have the effect of brightening up derelict-looking eyesores.

Places such as London, Manchester, Edinburgh and even little Alyth all have “legal” walls. — Artist (Not Vandal).

[The Alyth walls feature graffiti-style art painted by Martin McGuinness (17), a local young artist.

He has the permission of the Alyth Youth Partnership.

The buildings, on the AYP site at The Square in Pitnacree Street, are to be demolished in the near future.

This idea was developed from a murals project Perth and Kinross Council ran in conjunction with the partnership as part of the StART young people’s arts festival running in the Strathmore area.

Because of this Martin has also done some work for a skateboard shop in Dundee and has been asked to do similar work with a Blairgowrie youth group.

He has also had lots of other positive feedback since his Alyth art went on show.]

Full credit to the police for taking action against this annoying habit (particularly among young drivers).

I hope her letter will make others think twice.

Another craze that seems to be on the increase is cars with coloured side-lights.

I’ve seen cars with red and even blue ones which, at first glance (particularly at night), make you think it’s an emergency vehicle.

This must be illegal (can the police confirm?), and I would be interested to know the penalty. — Dazzled.

[A spokesman for Tayside Police said, “Tayside Police is aware of the apparent increase in the number of vehicles on the road that have auxiliary lights or other lighting accessories fitted that have no specific purpose in relation to the driving of the vehicle or to road safety in general.

“It is appreciated that these lights, as described, can be a distraction for other drivers.

“When officers see vehicles fitted with these lights or accessories, they are liable to be stopped, the vehicle examined and the driver charged with any offences detected.

“Tayside Police will continue to rigorously enforce legislation in this area, as well as all road traffic regulations, with the purpose of improving safety for everyone using the roads network.”]

She says she is sorry, but what she did not say was that it is the council’s fault this happened again.

It’s Planning and Transportation that pulls the purse strings for winter maintenance and is guided by the council and companies such as Tayside Contracts. The Parks Department cannot deploy men or machinery to any area unless it is given the OK.

With regards to the footpaths in some of the housing estates, Dundee City Council, a number of years ago, decided not to provide winter maintenance cover on public holidays.

So if city councillors are to blame anyone, they need to look long and hard at their policy before pointing the finger of blame at others. — Roadrunner.

The shops were excellent and the staff helpful.

Unfortunately we never met up with the yodelling man who has, in the past, entertained us and others in the Kettledrum pub.

We hope he is still hale and hearty.

We were also in the Logie Club. The decor is fantastic and toilets must be the cleanest in Dundee.

One thing was a bit disappointing — the Christmas sign in Lochee High Street. It said A Merry Xmas and Happy New Year from Dundee City Council.

Should it not have read from Dundee Citizens?

I look forward to Christmas 2004 and to meet again with Chris, Pat, Big Shuggie and Debbie, who made our stay so grand. — Twa Honest Fifers.

I received a letter from my Sunday paperboy saying, “Thank you for the Christmas money you gave me”. It made my day.

These laddies (and lassies) give us sterling service and to receive a thank-you note from anyone is so unusual these days.

I am still awaiting Christmas thanks from my grandchildren. — West Ferry Reader.

But to read the announcement in the Tele that a decision had been made and they were being transferred to another company without NCR confirming the situation with them first, shows arrogance and that NCR have not a shred of compassion for a loyal workforce. — Inverg.

It seems his interest of football in England comes before his interest of football in Scotland. Mr Howard’s comments show a vampire cannot change its fangs. — C. Donaldson, Glasgow.