One of its objectives is to clear the criminal element out of this sector although recent exposes show this is not happening.

And, as usual with badly thought out Government schemes, it is the decent, hard-working, honest people like me who suffer.

The SIA informed me I had to attend a four-day course at my own expense, pass and sit two written exams and pay them £250 for a licence to continue with my employment. I did this in July, 2005.

In September, 2007, I was informed my exam papers were lost. I re-sat and passed on September 26.

Because I did not receive my licence on the cut off date of November 1, I have now been laid off and am on Jobseekers Allowance until my licence comes through.

You can imagine the distress the SIA has caused me. I have written (they never answer) and spoken to them (all different operators) on at least 15 occasions, but am none the wiser.

Why should the taxpayer subsidise me and others in the same situation from rent, benefits, Council Tax, etc, as well as this obviously Mickey Mouse agency when we just want to work?

I have taken this matter up with my solicitor and my MSP.

In 45 years of continuous employment I have never come across any agency like this and am amazed that the electorate allows it to exist.— Alex Ramsay, Dryburgh Gardens, Dundee.

During that time I have never had an increase in rent.

Last year I had to pay for solicitor, court costs, sheriff officers and locksmith to get a tenant evicted.

I’m sure all the neighbours heaved a sigh of relief when that happened and to them I apologise.

It took me nearly a year to get that tenant out. I even tried the Asbo team.

When the tenant left, I found my property trashed and so far it has cost nearly £10,000 to repair.

The insurance company doesn’t want to know and the property agent will not take any responsibility.

I am having to borrow money to pay for renovation.

Then a couple of weeks or so ago, a bill arrived from Dundee City Council demanding payment of a Landlords’ registration fee.

This has taken them almost two years to send out, and I understand this fee is to “protect tenants from rogue landlords”.

Do they honestly think bad landlords are even going to register?

Where is a landlord’s protection? I’m obviously not the only one with problems.

I write this to warn others. — Landlady.

I missed a dental appointment and was 30 minutes late for work.

The 17 service is the worst in Dundee. — Angry Passenger.

This grass is usually a bit of a mess anyway and is getting churned up by these people who won’t pay for their parking.

There are what look like legitimate parking spaces with a chain across them but the other people park either side of them. Who does this land belong to? If it’s the council, why don’t they do something about it.

Law abiding parkers who pay their correct dues should see that those who don’t are penalised. — Gorgeous West Ender, Dundee.

[A spokesman for Abertay University told the Tele, “This land does belong to Abertay, and last year we created an inner-city “meadow” on the plot with the encouragement of the City Council as part of the Dundee in Bloom Project.

“We are aware of the parking problem, but those we believe to be responsible are not Abertay staff or students and despite repeated requests to them not to park their cars there, the problem persists.

“It is very disappointing that a handful of individuals should show such disregard for the environment, but we intend to do what we can to stop the damage occurring.

“Accordingly, we are planning to create a boundary hedge soon and to place boulders which would prevent vehicles driving onto the grass.

“The matter has also been reported to Tayside Police. In the spring, we will be replenishing the meadow with fresh wildflower seeds.”]

He is calling for a change in public attitude so criminals with social problems are treated “with the humanity they deserve”.

This is an insult to victims of assaults and break-ins. Next he’ll be saying that the courts are redundant.

If that’s the best he can do, he ought to resign. — Law Abiding.

But is it not possible to install a camera, which could record number plates? — J. M. R.

I am a single parent and very strict with my kids.

When the 15-year-old girl is on a sleepover I have the parent of the other girl phone me to say all is OK and she does not have clothes suitable for a nightclub with her.

She gets her friend’s clothes and in the case I highlighted the parent of the other girl allowed it without consulting me.

I do not want the authorities to do my job for me. All I ask is that the authorities stop under-agers going to clubs.

Door staff should know by looking at these girls that they are well under age and refuse admission.

It is about time ID cards were issued. — Dundee Dad.

Teachers were dedicated and we were disciplined. Sunday school was compulsory as far as parents went.

There were no gangs with weapons and we were not afraid on the street even at night.

Mums stayed at home and there was no bingo or clubs.

Bedtime was about 9 o’clock after cocoa while sitting at a coal fire. And pocket money did not exist. — Old Timer.