One evening recently I left work earlier than I would normally do. Usually, when I have my car I leave crossing the bridge till after 6pm and I was curious to see what the traffic was like during the “rush” now that the road bridge is free of road works and tolls.
I have witnessed the improvement for buses around 5.50pm but not as a car driver until now.
It used to be that you were stuck in queues if you tried to use the bridge between 4.45 and 6pm.
The Greens claimed that taking the tolls off would increase congestion and reduce air quality, but I sailed through.
Of course, I may have missed the worst of it. I have no doubt there are busier periods compared to when I crossed, but I was pleasantly surprised.
It was nothing like I expected it to be. It was a happy experience when in the past I have been left miserable as I crawled along the road at snail’s pace. — Bemused Motorist, N.E. Fife.
Joking and jogging
[Pictured are some of the children who took part: Back row: Andromeda Gibb, Brandon Traynor, Jasmine Adams, Brandon Mason, Ryan Duncan. Front row: Phoenix Gibb, Reece Johnston.]
We are two Dundee childminders and our children got together to raise money for Children in Need. We have raised over £500.
Half the children did a joke marathon, and the other half did a Wii Fit Jogging marathon.
A great time was had by all and I am very proud of what they achieved. — Vina Gibb and Vi Wighton.
Christmas appeal
On Friday, The Salvation Army launches the Christmas Present Appeal 2008, which will run until December 19.
Every year The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of the public to donate gifts and toys for children and young people who otherwise would have little or nothing on Christmas morning.
Members of the public are asked to drop off a new unwrapped gift for a child ages 0-16 years at supermarkets in Kirkton, Milton of Craigie, Morrison’s supermarket (during opening hours) or Dundee Central Salvation Army, 137 West Marketgait, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9am and 3pm.
Local Salvation Army representatives will then distribute them to children and families in need in the area. For more information please phone 01382 227143 or 01382 826884.
Thanks to the generosity of people in Dundee last year, The Salvation Army collected many toys and distributed them to many people and families in this area who might otherwise have struggled at Christmas. — Lt Andrina Downie, Commanding Officer, Dundee Central Salvation Army.
Emmockwoods residents praised
I have also recently moved to the Emmockwoods area of Dundee and would like to defend the residents here.
Can the person who has gripes regarding the area just remember the non-resident drivers, eg visitors to the area, may also be using the roads at excessive speeds?
On recently moving to Emmockwoods Crescent I have only praise for the neighbours here who drive with great care and attention as there are always kids playing, two of which are mine. — Happy Resident.
Like a war zone
I am also a resident in Emmockwoods and totally agree with Kramsers regarding speeding cars.
Also, regarding the fireworks, I thought I was in a war zone. My poor cat and dog were petrified.
The kind of fireworks used were certainly not for letting off in a housing estate. — Resident Emmockwoods.
Concern over bus routes
Why should the vast population of Whitfield, Dundee, residents suffer an even worse service just to keep a few people in Peebles Drive happy?
On my bus in the morning a total of three people get on in Peebles Drive. I’m not an expert on fuel economy but detouring that far to pick up three people seems extravagant.
Personally, I have to get an earlier bus to work (I’m now getting on the bus an hour before I’m due to start work).
Coming home, the closest stop now involves a seven-minute walk over a grassed area that has no lighting.
As a young female I feel very vulnerable walking through parts of Whitfield on my own, especially an area with no lighting. Travel Dundee should re-route the buses back to the original service. — Still Unhappy Traveller.
Glenrothes result
The SNP won’t make the mistake of taking Fife’s voters for granted again.
Alex Salmond’s first-day prediction of an easy victory quickly followed by a wee flutter on the outcome, was just tempting fate.
The promised Glenrothes earthquake never materialised. — C. M., Dundee.
Wrestling night
There will be live wrestling at Brooksbank Centre, Dundee, on Friday, November 28. Doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 7pm.
Tickets available from Brooksbank Centre, Pitairlie Road or contact 01382 432450 for more information. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. — Cara Coventry, Community Works Assistant.
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