After a breakdown in my marriage, we had to sell the matrimonial home. Although my three children and I have been allocated a property, we are still waiting to even get a viewing of what is supposed to be our new home. My two boys are staying with their grandparents, my daughter is staying at a friend’s house and I’m between places to stay.
My heart and thoughts go out to the people on waiting lists.
This can be very stressful and damaging, as I have found out from painful experience.
There is an abundance of empty properties around Dundee, many of which have been waiting allocation, but nothing seems to happen.
It seems that they are also waiting for repairs.
I’ve been phoning since the end of October to see about a viewing, only to be told every time that the clerk of works has still got the keys.
Some of Dundee’s properties do indeed look unattractive (what a lick of paint can do) but my parents have always told me — home and life is what you make it, or try to do the best you can.
Why don’t they think of other ways of making existing properties more attractive?
I don’t know if my children and I will be together for Christmas. — No Fixed Abode.
So-called crisis
I’ve been following this so-called crisis in housing in Dundee.
It is a fact that council waiting lists do shrink because folk get houses from other landlords or move away, or buy a house — not by councils manipulating figures.
Leaders in Holyrood have so far offered enough extra cash to build about three new houses a year in Dundee.
There can’t be any crisis or surely the Scottish Government would have known about it and come up with a better plan of action. — K. J. MacDougall.
Church appeal
Can any Tele readers help us? We are a very small church in Dundee — 14 adults and five children.
We have very little funds and are struggling to maintain the church building and its fixtures.
We have recently discovered that we have a bad case of woodworm in the units and worktops in the kitchen.
We are writing to ask if any Tele readers are planning a new kitchen and would consider donating the old units to us.
We would be grateful for any offers. Or perhaps some local businesses have old units about to be disposed of.
If you can help us, please contact 07950 768060. — Pauline, United Reformed Church, Constitution Road, Dundee.
Teeth steady on new road
A few months ago I wrote requesting your help in getting the Main Street, Longforgan, repaired.
The story was about me having to hold my hand over my mouth to hold my false teeth in.
The surface of this road was a disgrace and was in need of repair for years.
However, I am pleased to tell you that the Main Street in Longforgan has been resurfaced and I no longer have to hold my false teeth in.
I can assure you that that the residents of Longforgan are very happy with the outcome. A big thank you to the Tele for raising awareness of my plight. — George Stewart, Inchture.
Alcohol clampdown
The headline on the front page of the Tele recently was “Proof of age clampdown’ regarding the battle against youths purchasing alcohol and cigarettes.
Elsewhere in the paper, there were young people ‘Gearing up for Christmas’ with what would appear to be cocktails in a bar.
I am sure these were non-alcoholic but you could think they were enjoying a cocktail in a cocktail lounge.
Such articles as this will certainly not help with the proof of age clampdown — Concerned Dundonian.
Listen to communities
I agree with Kenny Blues and Status Quo regarding the future of Balmossie Fire Station, Dundee.
This station should not be downgraded. I have listened to the arguments for and against and my answer is still no to downgrading.
Chief Fire Officer Stephen Hunter says we are working with our communities. He is certainly not listening to the communities. The turnout for the march is evidence of that.
To the MPs and councillors who marched from Balmossie, I thank you. To the councillors who did not bother, I know where my vote will be going. — Concerned Monifieth Resident.
Hair raising business
I was somewhat surprised when Louis, judging on X Factor remarked to contestant Eoghan his hair was like a “bird’s nest”.
Individualistic hairdos have been the stock and repartee of many successful pop stars.
David Bowie’s hallmark ducktail, for his 70s Ziggy Stardust persona, was an invaluable aid.
Similarly, Paul McCartney succumbed to a “mullet” for many of his 70s hits.
David Essex’s “curly crusade” was his hirsute hallmark in the 70s.
Mick Hucknall’s giant ginger “halo” made 80s Simply Red simply great.
So I fear Eoghan is well on track for the big time — because he already possesses the trademark hairstyle so often linked to the greats. — J. I. Matthews.
Union has improved life
A reader wrote we have been in misery ever since the Union.
Where is the misery in this country today compared with the terrible life they had in an independent Scotland before the Union?
Disease was rife, people couldn’t pay for doctors, children walked in bare feet, no benefits of any kind. They didn’t live a long life.
If the dead could rise from that time, they would say we were living in a land of milk and honey.
I would advise the reader to go back to history lessons taught at school.
Could the people of this country be heading for this again? The Union was the best thing that ever happened. — Winifred Robertson.
Carers’ income
Please give carers a better income. How can they justify the tiny benefits for someone looking after a parent or relative? — Fair Deal.
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.*
