There was a clear connection between the high influx of storks and the increasing birth rate. The implication was obvious: the high number of storks was the cause of the high birth-rate.

Once upon a time, there was a place called Dundee. The educational performance of children in schools was not good. It was rated about the worst in the whole country.

During this period, as it happened, there was high levels of deprivation in Dundee.

There was a clear correlation between the high level of deprivation and the low educational performance in schools. The implication was obvious: the high level of deprivation was the cause of the low standard of educational performance.

Of course, no one really believes these fairy stories — or do they? — James Gourlay, Ballindean Terrace, Dundee.

ANNE WILSON, who is the Director of Education in Dundee, made an unbelievable statement about the parents of the children she is employed to ensure they are taught.

Perhaps her salary should be performance-related and that would help raise the standards of education she provides for our children. — Jeff.

I WAS not surprised to read about Dundee City Council’s education department having a ”bunker mentality” and agree with the SNP, Willie Sawers saying the administration refuses to accept any blame. — Alex Mann, Glenconnor Drive, Dundee.

While initiatives for young people are to be applauded, particularly those which produce results, the article did not reflect reality.

Certainly, the drop in “youth annoyance” in the Stobswell, Maryfield and Hilltown areas is to be welcomed, if in fact that is the case.

I have no doubt the “community” welcomes such initiatives, and good luck to those deriving benefit. However, the community includes Dundee International Sports Centre and the patrons who use and support it.

There is no balanced reflection in the article to include the disruption, intimidation and other aspects of “youth annoyance” which is now commonplace at DISC.

The article claims a partnership exists to run the sessions.

It is a pity that the partners are not more evident to witness or control that section of the participants who are intent on disrupting the activities of paying patrons.

Perhaps the involvement of the police might extend to the support of the whole community.

Of course, a cynic might suggest that having the “youth” congregate in one place is proving a successful strategy. — DISC User.

He or she states that, “I only know one person who is blind and that person has a guide dog, while I don’t see many people with prams.”

Does this mean that if a pavement is blocked by a parked car, it is perfectly acceptable for a guide dog owner to be led round the obstacle, onto the road, in order to pass?

Or for a mother to have to push her child’s pram against traffic?

Guide dogs are intelligent but, unfortunately, not psychic, so can’t tell if a speeding vehicle is about to round a corner.

The problem is lazy, selfish people who won’t park safely, even a few streets away and walk a short distance to their destination.

I would like to make it clear I refer to all pavements, not specifically the one mentioned in the letter. — St Dunstan.

PARKING ON the pavement in Ballindean Road, Dundee, is a nightmare.

At times I have had to walk on to the road or cross to the other side.

I have phoned the police and hope something can be done soon. — OAP, Douglas.

These speedsters should also have been picked up by the CCTV cameras that cover this stretch of Ward Road/Reform Street/Bank Street/Barrack Street.

I assure Chief Inspector Kevin Lynch, who replied to my letter, that in future I will endeavour to play my part in bringing such incidents to the attention of his officers.

My mistake was in thinking my ridiculously-high Band E Council Tax paid for others to patrol the streets and ensure the safety of the population at large. — Pedestrian Pete.

We must question those awards when the NHS is in such dire straits due to lack of nurses, caused by poor salaries and long working hours.

This is combined with the poor wages being given to the auxiliary staff who struggle to keep our hospitals clean.

A serious review must be held to give people confidence our hospitals are run for the betterment of patients by nurses and auxiliary staff and not pen pushers on such disgraceful salaries. — Jack Stewart, Potterhill Flats, Perth.

I have spoken to the council about this, but still the bins are left. The recess is not big enough for all the bins.

If nothing is done, I will be getting rats in my house. — Charleston Drive Resident, Dundee.

When I phoned the police for advice, it was to move over. However, I have replacement joints and it is not so easy to move. If I say anything to the cyclists I get abuse.

When I was young it was an offence to cycle on pavements.

This really is an accident waiting to happen. — Mrs V. Keir, Hindmarsh Avenue, Dundee.

For ages now the party has been saying it would scrap it, but never said with what. Now they have made up their minds on a local income tax.

I think this is a fair system and it is great that the Lib-Dems are supporting the policies of the SNP. — J. Conner, St Nicholas Place, Dundee.

The trackback system confirmed my loss but I was worn out phoning to check (in vain as it turned out) if the document had finally got to its destination. — J. I. Matthew.

I am researching my family tree and am looking for information on David and Bertha McFarlane, whose daughter Isobella married William Sutherland Fairfield in Dundee in the late 1920s? — N. M. Smiley, 63 Marloch Avenue, Port Glasgow PA14 0LJ.

As this will be funded out of general taxation, what service will they cut —NHS, police, education or prescription charges? — Douglas Thain, Pitairlie Road, Dundee.

=

One solution would be to remove the grassed area between 53 and 71 and widen the road. This would benefit pedestrians and motorists. — Demented.