What’s happened to West Kirkton? As a former resident I was alarmed by a recent visit to the area.
While driving near the new houses in Lauderdale Avenue mid-evening last week I came across a group of around 12 children. Their ages seemed to range between around five to 17.
Not only did the younger children seem to have little awareness of the danger they were in through lack of road sense, but the youths seemed to be running wild in and out of gardens with no regard for people’s property.
As I stopped my car on the road to avoid a collision with one of the children I thought about asking the older children to stop running amok, but thought better of it as it was plain to me these kids were out of control.
When I lived in that area years ago this sort of thing would never have happened and a friend who still lives there has said that they never see a policeman on the beat or any community policing at all.
I would ask parents to check what their kids are doing at night and to have some respect for their neighbourhood. — Concerned Ex-Resident.
Animal home worth visit
I recently visited Mountains Animal Sanctuary just outside Forfar to make a donation.
The sanctuary is run to a very high standard, and is a wonderful place to visit.
The volunteers and staff are very welcoming.
If you are an animal lover, I would recommend you take the time to visit Mountains. — Daryl Beech, Easy Walkers, Kirriemuir.
Lochee needs attention too
Lochee community organisations are always seeking information regarding the promise of a new Lochee Masterplan from city planners.
It does not bode well for Lochee’s hard-working families when they see yet another huge commitment to planning and building in the Whitfield area.
The Lochee community have surely been overlooked enough by Dundee’s planners.
Areas like Lochee cannot be put into a state of suspended animation.
Planning policy should be directed by the planning convener and his group, not the director of planning. — Dundee Reader.
Real apprenticeships
I agree with Tele reader Pamela’s thoughts that the government should offer real apprenticeships.
Sadly, this logic is lost on Alex Salmond’s SNP administration in Edinburgh, despite concerns from Unionists politicians. — B. Collins, Dundee.
Arrest leads to questions
The Tele article on tasers helped me understand something I did wrong.
I was arrested and detained last year when I failed to respond to a police instruction to move on.
I have video of the latter stages of the arrest and I am currently trying to secure the CCTV of the whole arrest. This shows that I did not offer any resistance.
I asked for an explanation from the police of what law they were using to make me move on. They were unable to do so and as the procurator fiscal states in a letter to me, I was committing no crime under Scots Law.
Now I understand I failed to “comply with instructions” from the police.
This concept has no basis in law, but is far more developed in the United States and has led to serious injury and deaths. It means you do as you are told by the police, or suffer the consequences.
The consequences for me should the case have gone to court would have been very serious. I certainly would have lost my job. The procurator fiscal has informed me no action is to be taken against the officers who detained me.
I intend to continue demanding the law be used to protect and defend human rights and to highlight the police officers’ clear abuse of those rights. — Michael Taylor.
Housing crisis
One reason for Dundee’s housing crisis is that tenements in schemes all over Dundee are being knocked down. The land is then grassed over adding to the already huge cost of the council grass cutting bill.
If Dundee City Council cannot afford to build new houses on these sites why not sell the land to private builders and the money gained from this can be put into new housing? — Build Up.
Damaged car
On Monday, April 28, around 1.45 pm, I parked my sports car outside Broughty Ferry Library.
I was only in the Library 3-4 minutes, but when I returned I found the front bumper, grill and radiator had been damaged.
I would appreciate any information or assistance and offer a reward if the perpetrator is found. If you can help please contact Tayside Police on Dundee 223200. — S. F.
Buggy struggles
I totally agree with Stressed Mum. I used to struggle with my double buggy up and down stairs at Ninewells car park and hoped a member of the public would help.
I once asked the car park attendants what to do and I was allowed to park in a disabled bay. Although this was a help as it was on the same level as the entrance, it was taking a parking space from someone else.
If the car park wants to charge they should supply the spaces for mothers with prams and buggies. After all, there are many patients and visitors with children. — Sandy, Dundee.
Fuel cost concerns
It has come to my attention local fuel prices have increased by three pence per litre in the last week.
With a full load, an HGV road tanker contains nearly 40,000 litres of fuel, so this equates to a £1200 hike on a load. If the closest depot was in Newcastle, it would still only cost at most an extra 15 gallons, or £80 to bring the fuel here.
I don’t think haulage costs justify the £1200 hike. — Jungle Juice.
Jewellery found
An item of jewellery was found in the Paediatric Outpatients department, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee on April 25.
To claim, contact the department with a brief description on 01382 633862. — Lesley Stewart, Outpatients Department.
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