THE recent rise in fuel poverty is alarming if not completely unexpected. The National Pensioners Convention has repeatedly warned the Government of the rise of deaths of the elderly to cold related illnesses.
With fuel prices rising rapidly the increase in pensioners’ income and energy efficiency has not been able to keep pace.
This raises important questions about the future efforts to tackle fuel poverty here in Scotland, because the benefits of current measures — free central heating and the warm deal — will always be vulnerable to such fuel rises.
The Government knows there is over £5 billion not being claimed in pension credit due to a minefield they are confronted with when claiming.
Surely the Government is aware of such circumstances and is taking steps to help those in need? — Jack Stewart, National Pensioners Convention, Potterhill Flats, Perth.
Car use
Cutting down on car use — especially in city centres — is a long-term aim for planners in towns and cities throughout the world.
For decades Dundee had the lowest number of city centre dwellers of the main Scottish cities.
Over recent years this has changed, bringing much-needed life back into the city centre. These residents should be allowed to breathe reasonably fresh air.
Figures published by the Scottish Government show car use at an all-time high.
As cars are a contributor to climate change, this alone makes the case for a good public transport system for city dwellers, supported by Park and Ride facilities at each main arterial route into the city for commuters and other visitors. — Clean Air.
Fintry playgroup
Many in Fintry cannot afford to make a financial contribution towards the playgroup they want, according to letter writer Fair to Fintry, but he or she expects others to do so through their taxes.
There are other areas in Dundee which have never had the benefit of a facility like this but deserve it just as much as Fintry.
I am also sure there are many in Fintry who could afford that few pence a week to support this playgroup. It only requires a little effort and a bit of organisation. — G. O. B.
Disgusting underpass
The underpasses on the Kingsway West leading to Camperdown Park, at Dryburgh, and the one down from it, are very dirty, fouled with dog mess and smell of stale urine.
Also, when it rains they becomes flooded and very muddy.
Why doesn’t the council install a drainage system and also clean them up?
Someone has made use of bricks to make stepping stones going into the underpass.
If the council cannot afford it, then use offenders on community orders to clean them up, then people may take pride in them and think twice about allowing their dogs to foul them. — D. Ramsay, Newport.
Picture perfect
I have really enjoyed the great pictures of smiling children enjoying the sporting activities and gala days in the Tele recently.
The action photos are particularly memorable and it’s nice to see so many activities taking place across the city for young people. — Mrs Dean, Dundee
Tradition not always good
I am disgusted by the letter from “Ole” in the Tele.
Ole’s response to other letter writers regarding their disgust towards bullfighting was that basically it’s none of our business and it’s an old Spanish tradition.
Well there are lots of traditions that we no longer adhere to.
One for example is that people in this country used to burn men, women and children at the stake if they were suspected of being a witch.
My main worry is; even if you do not care about the animal what is the state of mind of a human who thrives on an animal being ripped to shreds? — Wha’s The Animal?
Anger at no show buses
Every day I get the 8.28am number 18 bus from Kirkton Asda, Monday to Friday with my son, taking him to school. Before the summer holidays, the bus failed to turn up, sometimes once or even twice in the same week.
I kept phoning and complaining and they would say there was no bus or it had broken down.
Now the schools are back the same thing is happening.
I will have to start phoning the company again every morning to see if it is running.
The next bus is a 19, which is no use for our timeframe. Something has to be done about this. — Wet And Weary Parent And Son.
Petrol attendants
TO create jobs, why don’t we bring back petrol pump attendants and indeed folk to check your tyres? A friend says this occurs in many areas in America. — Reader, Dundee.
THE ADDRESS for readers’ letters is - Readers’ Page, Evening Telegraph, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL. They can also be placed in our post box at our offices in Albert Square, Dundee, emailed to us on letters@eveningtelegraph.co.uk or faxed on 01382 454590. We ask correspondents using a nom-de-plume or sending by e-mail to provide a name and address for reference purposes. The editor reserves the right to reject or edit any letter. Please keep letters as short as possible.*
