I read the story in Thursday’s Tele headlined “Junkie Stress Caused Baby’s Death”.
Two grieving Dundee parents have blamed the stress of living among junkies for the death of their premature daughter.
What I read with most interest was the comment from Dundee City Council, which said they did not know of any housing issue.
I beg to differ. The council is more than aware of the plight of tenants living in and around 45 Craigmount Road as the conditions surrounding this tenement block have been repeatedly reported to the housing department.
The police and the fire service were in attendance only the day after the Tele’s report to what seemingly was a hoax call.
The picture that was in the paper on Thursday must have been taken on a good day.
I enclose a picture on a bad day. — Angus.
I’ll never forget that afternoon
I refer to Observer’s letter about Robert Mone and wholeheartedly agree that Detective Sergeant George McLaren was a brave man.
However, no one forced his way into the classroom while the teacher and children were being held by Mone in case they were harmed.
The children were only released after the very brave Marion Young, a former friend of the killer, agreed to go in.
After Mone shot teacher Nanette Hanson he eventually allowed the ambulancemen and two of the teaching staff in to remove her and let Miss Young out. Mone was then alone in the room, still armed.
George McLaren was positioned by the door and called out that Mone was now coming out and waved all other officers away.
When Mone came out, George seized him and pinned him against the wall with a riot shield and the madman was arrested.
George joked later he had been told that the riot shield was bullet-proof, but later tests proved it wasn’t.
Like many other people I’ll never forget that afternoon and am strongly of the opinion Mone should never be released.
The authorities were considering releasing him shortly before he broke out of Carstairs. It would have been the wrong decision then and would still be now. — 71 (Retired Inspector).
Taxi firm blocked my number
I was doing some late night shopping on November 9 (a Friday) and I phoned for a taxi. I was told I would have to wait half an hour.
So I phoned another firm who had a taxi available in two minutes.
The call handler from the first firm then told me my phone number had been blocked. I have not been able to make contact with their management. — Banned.
Disgusted at decision
I was disgusted at the decision of Dundee taxi drivers to strike on November 17. I for one will not use taxis again. — Long Walk.
No manners
On November 14 I got on a Travel Dundee bus from Arklay Street heading to the city centre. The bus had standing room only.
An elderly lady who loaded with me also had to stand.
I could not believe that no-one stood up to give this lady a seat.
What shocked me most was that directly in front of the lady, sitting in a single seat, was an able bodied “gentleman”.
Where are common decency and manners? — Appalled, Dundee.
Not enough police
The SNP government has promised Scotland will get an additional 500 police officers within the next four years.
Four years is a long time to wait and that number is inadequate to bring back law and order.
It would be wise to reinstate former officers who want to return.
We should also allow former officers, who broke the law in a minor way also to return. — J. C.
TV interference
An OAP friend was having a problem with his TV. He could not change the channels even after getting a replacement remote control.
When an engineer called, he was then told his energy saver lights were the problem and told to remove them.
Once the lights were removed his TV was ok.
Have any other readers experienced this problem? — The Light Saver.
Vehicles dumped in car park
What is the law regarding vehicles being left in public car parks?
I was informed by the police there is nothing they can do as they are not on a public road.
The car park where I live has been filled with vans by a person who lives locally and leaves no spaces for people to park.
None of these are taxed and I had thought this was breaking the law. — Out Of Space.
[A Tayside Police spokesman said, “Assuming, as we believe, we are speaking about the same car park, this is not a council adopted car park and, therefore, is not subject to vehicle excise legislation.
“However, we have spoken to the owner of the vehicles to make him aware of the concerns raised and give him advice in relation to them.
“He has given an assurance they will be dealt with and our officers will continue to monitor the situation.”]
Late mail
Royal Mail keeps assuring us that mail delivery is up to date. I can assure you it is not.
I received an invitation to an antiques fair taking place on November 8, 9 and 10. The invitation was franked Edinburgh, October 30, and delivered to me on November 13. How on earth can it take 13 days for mail to come from Edinburgh?
Is anyone else in the Monifieth area experiencing the same problem? — B. C., Monifieth.
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