I am a single mother with three children, one of whom attends a full-time private nursery. I also work full-time. I found myself in a position of homelessness through no fault of my own and in need of urgent council housing.
The council informed me there was no adequate housing available and any that were empty at that time were either in the process of allocation or had extensive repair work requiring to be completed.
All the council was prepared to offer me was an eventual furnished homeless accommodation whereby all my belongings would have had to be put into storage until a suitable property became available.
However, due to my financial situation it was outwith my means to live in this type of housing due to furnished lets being more expensive to rent.
Luckily for my family, we secured a house with a private landlord.
Even if you are a single parent the chances are you will not be automatically put forward for accommodation at the lesser cost than I currently pay for my privately rented property, as I have personally experienced.
I also point out I do not have an opinion regarding the council’s treatment of either the alcohol and/or drug dependent persons of Dundee.
I am just pointing out that single mums often get accused of taking all the council housing, but this is not the case. — Single Parent.
Flying over Kingsway
How did the Dundee to Newtyle railway line cross the Kingsway?
I don’t remember a flyover, so did they have gates? — Peter Gibb.
[This picture, from our archives, show the flyover on the Kingsway, which was part of the Dundee to Newtyle Railway, at the time it was about to be torn down.
The flyover was near the junction of Strathmartine Road. It was demolished in 1965.]
Stop adults buying kids alcohol
Driving through Dundee at night on a weekend is nothing short of being an extra in the film 28 Days Later.
The parallels are uncanny as one watches zombied youths who are so drunk they do not know where they are, and create mindless vandalism for entertainment.
The major issue is that somehow these young people, many of whom are underage, are able to get a hold of alcohol.
People complain about the parents, or even the shopkeepers. But surely the people who should be targeted by the police are the mindless, irresponsible, so-called adults who will go in and buy the alcohol for the youths outside the shop. — Dead End, Dundee.
Bankers risked our cash
I respond to Banking Bob, who thinks bankers should not lose their bonuses because of the credit crunch.
Bankers took risks with all our money. The bankers have not done their job. They are all very rich, and ordinary people who have lost out will have nothing. They did not do their job — they should be fired and not receive any more money.
I was mis-sold an endowment policy in 1994. The bank denied responsibility. Guess who is out of pocket?
I know of people who have been given mortgages and loans from banks which they could never repay.
I know of people who are still being offered mortgages and then a loan to “top up” their money because they want more than they can afford.
All bank managers have done is put a lot of people out of their homes because they cannot afford to pay their mortgages and people out of work because of the knock-on effect of slowing down the economy. — Mrs Elaine Sandeman, Douglas, Dundee.
Reward branch staff
I reply to the letter from Banking Bob. Does he not realise that the Government bailed out these companies and fat cat directors to keep the UK banking system afloat?
They most certainly did not invest in them as he suggests. I do, however, agree that the branch staff should be rewarded with larger bonuses as they have a lot to put up with and do a difficult job.
I would not mind paying a few extra pounds in tax per month to see them have a good bonus, as I think they do an excellent job. — Tax Payer.
No need for snow mayhem
I was embarrassed at Thursday’s disaster zone that was Dundee City Centre.
I fully understand that snow can disruptive, but was there really any need for starting the ‘Air Raid Siren’?
I feel Travel Dundee was rash in cancelling bus services. The company appeared to cancel their services without any thought of what effect it may have on schools, nurseries, workplaces, etc.
As soon as the decision was taken, all the aforementioned places began to close, leaving people stranded and having to stand in massive queues waiting for taxis.
It made absolutely no sense, and the main roads were a lot clearer in the afternoon.
I was embarrassed by the whole situation.
It snowed for no more than six hours and our city ended up in a farce. If we get this kind of weather again, then hopefully we will have learned to react with a bit less haste. — Snow Way.
Waterloo clash
J. I. Matthews’ misfortune with regards to his song title clashing with that of the TV show, Waterloo Road, has my sympathy. A burst of Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks would seem highly appropriate. — Dave Good, West Ferry.
Lost cat
Our one-year-old male cat is lost from the Barnhill/Inchcape Road area of Dundee. It is mainly black with white chest and paws and white bit under chin. He is wearing a purple collar with a tag on it. Phone 07753 288157 if sighted. — Upset.
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.*
