After the recent earthquake in England, I searched various news outlets to find out if any countries had set up a disaster or relief fund to help UK residents affected by the tremor. So far, I’m not aware of any country that has offered financial assistance.
I had hoped one of the Asian or African nations that have received substantial financial assistance from Britain in recent times after a natural disaster would have returned the favour.
Maybe we should think twice about sending money to these countries. — Lochee Dark Blue.
Bridge repairs
I was stunned recently to find the path under the old bridge at the entrance to Dundee’s Balgay Park, closed. I use it morning and night to walk to university and work.
However, the diversion adds 15 minutes to the normal 20-minute walk, with the diversion also uphill. Coming back is a nightmare as the diversion has no lighting. This is dangerous as there is a bare slope down one side.
Also the steps are atrocious. They are wet, muddy, steep and slidy.
If work is going on, why isn’t there a covered walkway?
It is unacceptable to close this path. What about the many Harris Academy kids who need to walk to school? — Path Lover.
[As reported in the Tele on Wednesday, March 5: Restoration work on a historic bridge in Dundee’s Balgay Park is under way — after a wait of almost a year.
Councillor Richard McCready, arts and communities convener, joined representatives of Friends of Balgay and the West End Community Council to view the work on the Hird Bridge.
It was initially hoped work would start last April, but a series of delays meant work only began in earnest this week.
Built more than 125 years ago, the bridge spans 80 feet across a natural gorge, and includes decorative ironwork consisting of the town coat of arms and floral finials.
Restoration is being carried out by local contractors, Land and Building Services Ltd, thanks to funding by Dundee City Council, Historic Scotland, and Our Heritage Lottery Fund.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of April.]
Lights theft from garden
Since moving into my home a few months ago, I have spent many hours tidying and doing my garden in Fintry to make it look nice and decent. But on February 26 the 10 garden lights I bought were stolen. I had only just bought them that day.
I am unemployed and it is very rarely I have extra money. They only cost £1 each, which is not the point, it’s the principal.
It seems when you try to do nice things and improve the look of your garden and the community then mindless thieves come along and spoil it. — Angry Resident.
More than anticipated
As a frequent user of the Taxicard scheme in Dundee, I would like to know what discount we are entitled to?
I was told by a friend the approximate fare, but it was a lot more than I had anticipated. — Confused.
[A Dundee City Council spokesman said, “Each taxicard holder receives a maximum discount of £2.50 per taxi journey.
“If the total metered fare is between £2.40 and £5, the holder pays half the metered fare. When the fare exceeds £5, the holder will receive the maximum discount of £2.50 off the total metered fare.
“Further information about the taxicard scheme can be obtained through the city council's concessionary travel helpline on 433 006 or online at http://www.dundeetravelinfo.com/taxi_card_fares.asp.
“Taxicard application forms can be obtained by phoning the council's customer services section on 433 060 or e-mailing customerservices@dundeecity.gov.uk.”]
Using mother-and-child spaces
Asda, Kirkton, should do something about elderly people without children parking in the mother-and-child spaces.
As a mother of two young children, I find it hard to get a space. — Fed-Up Mother.
Huge crowds had great time
The recent letters about being able to afford a celebration on Hogmanay in the centre of Dundee, reminded me that in the early 1960s, a stage was erected in the square with performers like Dennis Clancy performing.
There were also buster stalls nearby. Everyone had a great time and there were huge crowds.
Can’t we return to this form for staging future events? — Ever Hopeful, Dundee.
Needs feel-good factor
Since the council rejected a New Year celebration in Dundee, why not have a celebration without the council’s involvement.
Then maybe we can afford one that won’t cost £500,000. I am sure we can get home grown talent who would be prepared to help out with the celebrations and companies who have faith in the city. After losing so many jobs, this city needs a feel-good factor. — Go It Alone.
Funding for fence
I have been asked by the Mid Craigie and Linlathen Community Safety Panel to reply to the letter from Pensioner, Fountainbleau Drive, Dundee, regarding the safety fence around the Finlathen Skate Park.
The fence which was vandalised was not a safety fence. It was put up by contractors to allow the grass around the skate park time to grow.
The initial funding bid that was approved for the Skate Park included funds for a fence. However, the price of construction increased and the fence was removed from the plans.
After a number of residents expressed concerns to the panel and in the Evening Telegraph, the Community Safety Panel applied for funding through the Local Community Regeneration Fund Forum, for a fence. This was approved.
It is the Safety Panel’s belief vandals cannot be allowed to endanger others, therefore if a safety issue arises we will try to resolve it. If that means repairing or replacing things that are vandalised then that is what must happen.
If anyone sees anything being vandalised then we ask them to call Tayside Police on 01382 223200 or the Community Safety Wardens on 01382 436333. This can be done anonymously.
We must all take responsibility and pride in our area. — Allan Petrie, Chairperson Mid Craigie and Linlathen Community safety Panel.
Near collision
I reply to Sid The Squid regarding the lane markings at the Fintry Road/ Fountainbleau junction. I am in and out of Fintry most days and experience this crossing of lanes every time I’m there.
I have nearly been in numerous collisions because drivers in the right lane cross to the left.
I have also had verbal disputes with other motorists who think they are in the correct lane for Forfar Road. Something has to be done very soon. –— Big Haj.
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