I congratulate the council in continuing the recent initiative of substantial investment in our city’s schools.

Having attended the recent consultation meeting in St Joseph’s Primary School, I point out the overwhelming support in principle for a new school, with all comments favouring a building fit for the 21st century and beyond.

As is predictable at such events, elements of the proposals were questioned. However, the delegation from the city council and the catholic church’s representative gave assurances that all issues highlighted would be fully investigated and resolved where necessary.

Judging by the West End parents’ website, there appears to be a number of stay-at-home parents, who were unable to attend the consultation meeting.

I ask them to fully consider the facts surrounding the proposal on the table, listen to the views of the Park Place and St Joseph’s head teachers, who are crying out for adequate resources to allow them to fulfil their obligations more efficiently, bear in mind the current economic environment, and give your backing to the only option available to provide modern education in the west end of the city. Please do not waste this opportunity for your children. — Will K. Laing.

Firstly, the play area itself now contains two swings and half a climbing frame. This is far less than what was originally present.

There is also a large amount of broken glass within the sand base.

The grass area around is unkempt and so long that it is virtually impossible for children to kick a ball about, and as they are not allowed to play football in the street in case they put the ball into people’s gardens, what chance have they got to enjoy a game of football? The planted areas of the park are unkempt and fencing around is badly damaged.

Finally, the dog bins are always overflowing.

Surely it’s about time the council contacted those responsible for the upkeep of this area to force them to take some action. This area was designated as a community amenity area, but no person in their right mind would spend time there.

Come on Rod Wallace and other local representatives, let’s see some action and give the children of the area somewhere decent to play. — Gobsmacked.

FORGOTTEN AND BROKEN

NOW THAT spring is here, the children of Balgillo Park can again enjoy the broken equipment at the Sandy Park (what’s left of it).

They can lose their toys and footballs in the long grass or fall on the broken glass in this area.

Well done Scottish Greenbelt Company, which is supposedly responsible for the park’s maintenance, for keeping this area to the standard we have come to expect — disgusting, forgotten and broken. — Balgillo Parent.

It won’t be long until he is free.

What about Brandon? He never had a chance. — Disgusted Marie.

SHARE RESPONSIBILITY

I WAS reading that baby Brandon’s grandparents said Robert Cunningham should be strung up.

I totally agree with this, but wonder if they feel anyone else should share responsibility. — J. Dundee.

The crisis has been going on for months, so why is it only now that this suggestion has been mooted?

Surely it cannot have been just because the SNP were about to take over the administration?

Shame on Labour and the Liberal Democrats, who were absolutely opposed to the very notion of sharing any power with the SNP until it was clear they were going to lose their positions. — Political Connoisseur.

FARCE

FOR THE Liberal Democrats to state they will support our new administration, but will not support any job losses is a farce.

I’m glad the SNP has taken control over Dundee’s administration and maybe now the SNP will change direction towards Dundee’s previous administration’s non-redundancy policy.

Maybe now our new council will distance itself from excessive waste of our money.

We are in a recession and if it’s good enough for big business to cut its cloth, our council should be seen to be doing the same.

The days of having a guaranteed job for life went out in the 1960s. — Over and Out.

CHICAGO OF SCOTLAND

TURMOIL IN Dundee’s City Chambers — backstabbing, double-dealing, allegations, inflated egos, power struggles and deals done in smoke-filled rooms.

The Chicago of Scotland is back. — J. T. F.

What is confusing about the sign? It states quite clearly that parking is free for the first two hours, and any longer stay requires to be paid for.

Also, in large letters, “All drivers must display a valid ticket”. In my opinion this is just a case of not reading the sign properly, and any financial penalty was justified.

I trust that, in future, this person will pay more attention. — D. A. D. M.

Tickets are on sale at the door, starting at 6.30pm, with eyes down 7pm. Refreshments available. — Jayne Allan, Activities Co-ordinator.