I have heard that Dundee City Council’s housing division is to close its City Centre Housing Office in Shore Terrace with a very limited service to the public at Floor 2, City House.
I fear this means that face-to-face public service will depend on two district housing offices, built recently on either side of the city, with house letting centred in the east office and rent recovery in the west.
So if you are old and frail and there are keys to be picked up for a new house, will you have to travel from any part of the west over to the east office at Pitkerro Road? What happens if you are disabled?
Conversely, if you live in Douglas or Fintry, or any east estate, you may now have to struggle on to two buses to get to the £3 million office in Lochee.
Otherwise you will need to deal with the famous call centre. What happens if you are deaf or don’t like using phones?
It seems to me that once again the housing division looks after staff comforts, and tenant services come way down at the bottom of the list of priorities — Dundee Reader.
[A spokesman for Dundee City Council said, “Dundee City Council’s plans to provide a new one stop service for tenants and other clients at Dundee House are already well advanced.
“The offices, in North Lindsay Street, will incorporate facilities that will allow tenants to access all housing services in a custom-built, modern environment.”
We asked Dundee City Council to clarify the situation regarding the future of the Shore Terrace office, but they declined to do so.]
Fireworks scare pets
I am writing to give my full support to the comments in the Tele by Guy Fawkes and Quiet Life.
As a responsible pet owner, I get very annoyed at this time of year because my dog is subjected to this extended period of pyrotechnics being detonated all hours of day and night.
Year upon year I incur considerable expense, (leaving me out of pocket), purchasing a course of sedatives from the vet to try to make his life more bearable and less stressful and to shield him from the actions of these mindless morons that discharge these said devices.
I can accept the traditional Guy Fawkes date as fireworks time, but surely weeks before and after the event in this day and age is wrong.
I think the relevant authorities need to start being more aware and alert as to what is going on in the streets and parks just now and to take the appropriate action. — Lakelander.
More stars need scrutinised
Russell Brand and Jonathon Ross have been condemned for their tasteless prank on Andrew Sachs.
However, the same people who are calling for their heads are not saying a word about programmes like The Jeremy Kyle Show.
This programme invites people on with deep emotional and mental problems, relationship difficulties, drug addictions or other problems. They are subjected to a grilling by Jeremy Kyle. This form of human bear-baiting is dressed up as “tough love” or part of “the helping process”. In my opinion, it is exploitive harassment for entertainment and profit.
Ross and Brand have been taken off air for one incident. I am sure there are more so-called stars who should be treated in the same way. — Viewer
All-time low
As a TV licence holder, about to renew my licence, reluctantly, I feel that the BBC standards have sunk to an all-time low with the latest radio comments by Messrs Brand and Ross.
My opinions are shared by people I speak to. — Fed Up.
Help save Dundee Accordion Band
It is now five years since the inception of the Dundee Accordion Band.
During this time, it has gathered quite a following and has performed to many audiences locally, and throughout Tayside.
It has also been instrumental in raising thousands of pounds for charities and good causes. Unfortunately, the future of the band is now under review due to a falling number of members.
To try to encourage accordionists to join us, we are hosting an open afternoon on Sunday December 7 in the ballroom of the Invercarse Hotel, Dundee, from 1 – 4 pm. Attendance is free and there will be a welcome drink and a buffet to enjoy too.
A presentation will be provided by Musical Director Luke Brady, entitled, How Far We’ve Come, as well as a viewing of performances, which have been recorded in the past.
The CD Come Follow The Band will be available too. Please come along and support us.
We would be delighted to welcome new players. All we ask is that anyone interested is able to read music. — Helen Brady, Press and Media, Dundee Accordion Band.
Afghanistan work may be hampered
The execution of a young British aid worker in Afghanistan highlights the dangers faced by the many brave people who are trying to better the lives of ordinary Afghans.
Britain is not the only country with troops committed to the country.
Around 50,000 from 40 Nato countries make up the International Security Assistance Force.
Their military and humanitarian support provides the security for elections to go ahead among the other things.
The people who risk their lives to do this work deserve commending.
There is a real danger that the execution may lead to some people choosing not to help with the relief effort, which could be detrimental to the ongoing attempts to improve life for the people of Afghanistan.
Many would argue the real challenge facing Nato's troops is Afghanistan's near $3billion annual drugs trade.
Independent observers believe the majority of this finds its way on to Europe's streets. — Political Watcher, Dundee.
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