SINCE 1980, an MP’s basic salary has risen by 416%, from £11,750 to £60,675, whereas the basic state pension for a single person has increased by only 221% from £27.15 per week to £87.30.
If the pension had risen at the same rate as MPs it would be worth £140.20pw.
It would have taken the basic pension above the level of the means-tested pension credit, thereby saving the country millions of pounds in the means testing administration. — Jack Stewart, National Pensioners Convention, Potterhill Flats, Perth.
Parking danger at corner
I have read with interest the many letters expressing anger over non-residents causing parking problems in various parts of Dundee.
I draw attention to the increased parking on Camphill Road, Broughty Ferry, between the Queen Street junction and Whinny Brae.
More and more people are parking here and walking down into the Ferry, presumably for their work, and the already hazardous bend between Hermitage Road and Gray Street is becoming downright dangerous.
These people are parking there to avoid the cheapest long-term parking charges in the city.
It’s time there was serious consideration given to a residents’ parking scheme in Camphill Road and the small streets leading off. — Fed-Up.
Purpose of inquiry
I would like to make clear the purpose of an independent inquiry into the electrocution of the dog in Dundee is to ensure there is no shirking of responsibility on the part of any organisation and such an inquiry has the support of family and local residents.
The Health and Safety Executive has agreed to my request to investigate and this is to be welcomed to ensure that such a terrible event does not occur again. — Cllr Fraser Macpherson, City Chambers, Dundee.
Fence destroyed
I take issue with the story regarding the safety issues with Finlathen Skate Park in Dundee.
Not long ago I watched helpless as a young thug spent the best part of an hour ripping up temporary fencing put there by the council.
No wonder the council hasn’t replaced it. They know it’ll be ripped out again. — Pensioner, Fountainbleau Drive, Dundee.
Saving face
I note recent correspondence regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis.
It’s worth noting that by the time the Russian ships turned back in the face of the Americans’ naval blockade of the island, Krushchev already had “advisers” on Cuba secretly constructing missile sites.
Faced with JFK’s intention to take out the sites, Krushchev sent a telegram offering to dismantle the sites if JFK agreed to end the blockade and call off the invasion.
JFK offered to remove Jupiter missiles from Turkey, essentially to help Krushchev save face. — Political Watcher, Dundee.
Hop on Bertie Bus
I was amused that Percy Panda, the poor student, can afford to drive to university, however cannot afford to pay £5 a day to park his car in a car park?
Why doesn’t Percy Panda claim a student bus pass, and hop on Bertie Bus instead? — L. M., Dundee.
Why not walk?
PERCY Panda says because he is a student he cannot afford to pay for parking.
How on earth then can he afford tax, insurance, pay petrol and any other running costs? Why not leave the car and use public transport or walk to the university? — B. C., Monifieth.
Praise for Harry
GOOD on Prince Harry for being the first royal since the Falklands to see active front line service. Hopefully it will inspire more people to join the forces.
I think bringing back some kind of national service would not only be good for the country, it would also give many youngsters some valuable life experience they could take with them — Hilltown Hawk.
Welcome, Loganair
I would like to say welcome back, Loganair. Being someone who used the FlyWhoosh flights to Birmingham and Belfast once or twice a month, my car says thanks.
So thanks for putting an end to the 5/6-hour drive down to Birmingham and a night in a local hotel (nothing beats your own bed) along with the 5am starts to get to Edinburgh for the flight over to Belfast. — Colin Reid, City Link regional health & safety officer, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Service applauded
ON numerous occasions I have had to contact the Dundee City Council night time noise team (via the police) regarding my neighbour, who has a dog which barks at all hours.
The service has to be applauded. I have had the problem dealt with in 45 minutes. So to read the council is to reduce this service is very disappointing. — Full Council Tax Payer.
Dundee drive-in cinema
DOES anyone remember the attempt to open an American-style drive-in cinema in Dundee?
If I remember correctly, it was situated at Gussie Park and lasted for two or three shows in the early 50s.
I think it failed then because hardly anyone could afford to own a car.
I think there was a three shillings charge (15p).
Buses full of people thought they could gain entry for just that price.
There were also seats, and people would assemble early with blankets, flasks of tea and fish suppers, ready for the show.
One night, there was a terrible downpour.
Those without shelter fled and the buses became stuck in the mud. The screen and generator shorted in the downpour. — John Dench, Perth Road, Dundee.
Not such a rosy picture
I am bewildered at the loss of more high-skilled jobs in Dundee. As a former employee of Texol, the redundancies there came as a real shock.
I would like to make the following points about employment in Dundee:
*Despite claims to the contrary by local business leaders, Dundee is far from booming.
*Despite having an advanced degree I have no option but to commute 40 minutes to work each day, to find a job of a reasonable skill level and wage.
*I know a large percentage of Dundee’s job loss victims have to travel to Aberdeen to work.
*The loss of NCR orders undoubtedly had an effect on Texol, but the company has had financial issues for some time. I don’t know of any job losses among upper management in that time.
*I have never heard the Scottish First Minister mention any of these issues pertaining to Dundee, let alone do anything about them.
*Although I welcome companies such as Morrisons coming to the city, the jobs these companies create can hardly be compared to those lost in the manufacturing industry either in skill or wage level.
— Disillusioned.
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