If this was in Britain and a couple left three children alone and went to the pub they would probably have had their kids taken from them.

Is it because one of the McCanns is a heart consultant and the other is a doctor nothing is being said? Let’s hope Madeleine is found safe. — Menzieshill Reader.

I can still smell the pies and bridies in the Wallace’s Auld Dundee Pie Shop across from Stirling Street. Those were a welcome supplement to wartime rations. Life was different then.

Living and working conditions were primitive compared to now, but I read that the efforts to improve Dundee’s image are at last bearing fruit and a revamped Hilltown could encourage visitors from around the city.

We have a natural panoramic view over the Tay from the Hilltown and this could be used to our advantage by building new houses in terraced fashion with river views. Shopping precincts could be included in such developments.

The south facing flats built at the foot of the Hilltown some years ago improved the look of the area greatly. Image is everything now and is there a more depressing sight than the Gallagher Retail Park when approaching the city centre along Dock Street?

Dundee has to go upmarket to compete with the other three major Scottish cities. — R. F. Broughty Ferry.

Dundee City Council animal control spends its time fining people, who let their dogs foul.

I live in the Pentland area and for two years now we have had to put up with a tenant, who has two Staffie type dogs running wild.

This tenant has already been to court about one of the dogs biting a young child.

When is animal control going to get tough with irresponsible dog owners? — Concerned Mother

Her most recent outburst as regards the issue of housing in predominantly British working class communities is a classic example of the sinner repenting.

The crisis in social housing in the UK is due to a decade of Labour apathy, incompetence and their embrace of the Blunkett principle that ‘there is no reason to limit immigration’.

It has taken a long time for the British working class to come to understand the essential nature of the New Labour Party, which is that they are a party of big businesses, ethnic minorities and the liberal middle class. — George Aimer, Kinghorne Road, Dundee.

Instead, the SNP has made £500,000 in savings from losing two cabinet jobs, which, given the promises, is laughable. — Barry Collins, Dundee.

I fully support the PCS union campaign to keep HM Revenue & Customs jobs in Dundee, and have always supported the PCS in this. I have never suggested that relocating jobs to Glasgow is acceptable.

I have met officials of the PCS, although not Mr Dolan, and they have again confirmed they are happy with the support I have offered over this and other issues.

I am also more than happy, as always, to meet anyone else concerned about this issue. — Jim McGovern MP, Dundee West.

I thought it may be useful for readers to understand the new National Security Industry Authority licensing system for door stewards that, from November 1, will become a law in Scotland and which will help create a safer environment for those who enjoy Scotland’s pubs, clubs and bars.

Door stewards, supervisors or those carrying out security activities at licensed premises, will need to hold a door supervisors’ licence issued by the SIA.

To obtain a licence, door staff will have to undertake a four-day training course, attain a national qualification in door supervision, and undergo identity and criminal record checks.

All door supervisors will need to display their licence when they’re working.

The police work very closely with the SIA and any information about illegal activity by door supervisors, or reports of unlicensed door supervisors, should be reported to the police or SIA immediately.

For more information about the SIA and door supervisors licensing, the SIA website is www.the-sia.org.uk — Robert Buxton, Head of Media Relations, Security Industry Authority.

This is nothing short of soul selling. They should crawl away in shame. — Hungarian Express.

Their staff were very welcoming.

It was a pleasure to shop there. — Grateful Pensioner.

I say it is a bigger disgrace they are being demolished. — Reader, Dundee.

Take all the money raised in Scotland from taxes, sales, etc (£36.4bn) from the money spent on health, education, etc (£47.6bn).

What remains, £11bn, is the deficit. Scotland spends more than it earns. — Jim Mackie, Dundee.

It’s only 80p and the bridge needs maintenance. If commuters are not happy with tolls, go round by Perth. — T. Bridge.