There is no doubt that local construction companies will be adversely affected by ConstructionSkills Scotland’s decision to close its Dundee office.
A company spokesperson argues that the relocation to Inverness will lead to a better service.
One Dundee employer puts the closure in perspective, describing the decision as ‘a blow’ for the city.
Why isn’t Alex Salmond doing something to support the local construction industry and protect Dundee jobs?
At last May’s election the local SNP group grandly claimed that Dundee would be safe in the hands of the Scottish Government.
Since then Dundee has been hit by wave after wave of job losses. — Observer, Dundee.
Inaction needs scrutiny
Given the scale of the humanitarian disaster, and the policy of blocking foreign aid from entering the country, it is clear that the Burmese authorities deserve further international scrutiny.
The reality of the situation is that few options remain open to the United Nations.
The French proposal for an airlift would most probably see food fall into the wrong hands. Military intervention is also a non-starter as this would fly in the face of the UN’s position on sovereign states.
It would also leave the UN open to accusations of hypocrisy given its previous criticism of the American-led invasion of Iraq. — Observer, Dundee.
Are they acting in our interests?
Regarding the story of a temporary eviction of an anti-social couple, Divisional Police Commander Colin McCashey states, “Other residents in the area have had to endure a range of incidents over a long period of time.”
Yet Councillor Regan maintains, “The effectiveness of the council’s anti-social behaviour team has yet again been demonstrated by their actions to help local people.”
If the local residents had to endure the anti-social behaviour by this couple over a long period, it would appear neither the police nor the council’s team has been acting promptly in the best interests of local people.
Residents in the area made it plain the building was concerned in the distribution of drugs.
Did none of the appropriate authorities think to take action?
I thought Dundee City Council has a zero tolerance to drug distribution. — L. A.
Fair contracts
It was recently reported the Office of Fair Trading is to investigate 112 companies in the construction industry regarding price rigging.
Of that, 40 had admitted price fixing with 37 asking for leniency.
As readers are aware, a lot of work has been going on in the construction industry, namely the building of schools through private finance initiatives. Can the councils assure us all contracts they are involved in are above board, or indeed are subject to investigation? In the pipeline is a new swimming and leisure centre for Dundee. Can we be sure all is above board there?
We need the same assurances from Tayside Health Board over their contracts. — James Hutchison.
Stolen skateboard
Did your teenage son come home on Wednesday night with a skateboard?
My 13-year-old son had his stolen at the new skate park on Fountainbleau Drive, Dundee, at around 8 pm.
He had saved his birthday and pocket money for a long time to buy this board. It cost £75 and, as he built it himself, he was very proud of it.
The underside of the board has the world BLIND in black letters on a silver background and green wheel brackets. The board itself is smaller than regular boards. If you think you know who has it, please contact Tayside Police. — Jane Barr, Glenconnor Drive, Dundee.
Action needed to fight poverty
With regards to your article “desperate choices for low paid Dundonians”, I am sure most people of the city would agree with the comments made by Dundee Anti Poverty Forum’s Jim Milne — they are already living them.
Is he planning any action to tackle these problems? I would love to be involved in any campaigns or events that he, or anyone else, believes would actually make a difference.
Were there any credible ideas put forward at this, no doubt costly, conference, or was it just another talking shop stating the obvious? — Desperate Dundonian.
Stating the obvious
I reply to Jim Milne of Dundee Anti Poverty Forum. Mr Milne stated what everyone has known for months. Why quote what has been quoted on numerous occasions in the local and national media?
Does Mr Milne have the solution to any of these problems?
Is there anywhere for people to go for advice/help regarding these issues?
It seems to me that Mr Milne just states the obvious to justify Dundee Anti Poverty Forum’s existence. — I. M. Curious.
Soft sentences
The courts and police are losing the fight against drugs due to the soft sentences handed out.
The only way to rid Dundee of heroin etc is what happened with sentences years ago. If someone got seven years for dealing they got off lightly and it soon cleaned the streets. Heroin was unheard of in Dundee for years, but now it’s on every corner. — Fed Up.
Birkhill well
It’s time another well was installed at Birkhill Cemetery. The one they have at the moment has a poor flow of water. — Reader, Dundee.
Argued tax case
In reply to K. S. who criticised MP Jim McGovern about the 10p tax band.
I’d like him to know that Jim McGovern went to Westminster armed with facts and figures from his constituents to state their case and argue against the 10p tax band.
I’ve heard on good authority that he threatened to resign his position if the PM didn’t abolish the 10p tax. — Hilltowner.
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