After watching a documentary on the demise of Detroit in the US, I saw many similarities to Dundee. Unemployment, crime and drugs go hand in hand in the American city.
A top cop on the programme said over a three-year period around 30 manufacturing firms had shut down, and with no other work around, Detroit’s crime rate trebled.
It’s about time Dundee’s Lord Provost and councillors fought tooth and nail to bring jobs to the city, before it becomes the new Detroit. — Geeze A Job, Fintry.
Kids would flourish
The community garden on Dundee Law.
With another summer almost over, the community garden on Dundee Law is still in a state of neglect and disarray.
Surely with green issues topping the political agenda this worthwhile project should be granted the support it deserves.
There is an abundance of resources/charities throughout the UK which could be utilised to get this project up and running. Local schools could also become involved.
I am sure many kids who are not apt in academia would flourish given the chance to show their practical skills.
The community garden could provide that very environment. — Phil Welsh, Dundee.
Tax soft tops
Now the warm weather is here I have noticed a sharp increase in the number of sports cards with their soft tops down.
Surely there must be an increase in fuel consumption when these vehicles are driven in such manner?
The people who drive these cars are as bad as those who drive the big gas guzzling 4X4s.
They either don’t realise, or they just don’t care, about the damage they are doing to the planet?
I think Gordon Brown should increase the road tax on these cars tenfold. — Charon.
No excuse
I caution dog owners after my wife got a £40 fixed penalty notice from the Environmental Health Department. As responsible owners we are aware of the problem of dog muck, and are vigilant about picking it up.
My wife was talking to a neighbour and did not see our dog fouling in the woods. The Environmental Health Officer approached her and handed out the penalty — even although my wife had a poo bag in her hand.
The officer said there is a zero tolerance policy. But, how can any dog owner get it right all the time? The officer also said legislation states “being unaware of the defecation shall not be a reasonable excuse”. So dog owners, when your pet defecates in the long grass, or in the woods, or round the corner, you are breaking the law. — Irate Dog Owner.
Follow English lead
One of the biggest challenges facing Scotland’s justice and prison system is how to address the reoffending rates amongst rapists and paedophiles.
England has adopted a “buddy” system in prisons to address this. More trusted inmates help potential reoffenders come to terms with their issues.
Reports from south of the border indicate a significant fall in reoffending rates.
It stands to reason Holyrood ministers should follow England’s lead.
Why has Kenny MacAskill vetoed this? – Puzzled, Dundee.
Holiday fortnight tours
Why has Fishers Tours stopped day trips for the Dundee holiday fortnight when other coach companies are continuing them? — Curious, Dundee.
[A spokesman said, “Fishers Tours don’t operate day tours, but we do operate the Scottish Express service.
“These are services to various destinations throughout Scotland, on which any member of the public can travel, and if you are 60 years of age or over, are resident in Scotland and hold a concession/bus pass, can travel free.
“The timetables for all of the services can be picked up from our travel shop or your nearest tourist information centre.”]
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