I read with interest that Councillor Tom Ferguson believes a new community centre for Lochee is “vital” if the area is to bounce back from years of neglect.
He goes on to say that he’s asked council departments to identify suitable buildings or sites for the creation of a new community hub for Lochee.
He need look no further than Lochee Primary School which has just been condemned by the Education Department’s proposal to merge with Charleston.
Can the council not rethink its proposal, keep Lochee Primary School where it is and use part of the building to house the community hub alongside a single stream school?
The reason given for merging with Charleston is that the roll has fallen at Lochee. However, by keeping a smaller school running, the two new schools would be of comparable roll sizes giving the children who attend equality in their education. It would also keep school provision in the centre of Lochee, which is what the people of the community want.
The report published by HM Inspectorate of Education for Lochee Primary in June 2007 states that accommodation and facilities were “very good”. Not only that but the council’s own Asset Management Plan rates it “satisfactory”. Other schools are having windows replaced and new heating systems installed; work could easily extend the life of the building.
Does it provide best value for Dundee taxpayers to demolish this building when it could be refurbished and used as a focal point for the whole community of Lochee? Perhaps children in Lochee, and Charleston, may even achieve higher educational attainment from this possible alternative. — Powerless Parent.
Riverside path worries councillor
Letter writer Observer is right to highlight the eyesores coming into Dundee by train.
Specifically with regard to the eyesore of graffiti along Riverside Drive, Dundee City Council has written to the administrators of the property development company (now in administration) that owned it asking for it to be properly attended to.
Not only is it an eyesore but the temporary path is badly lit, unsafe and a concern to many residents.
Observer’s comments about the rail station are equally valid and there is a need for the rail industry and Scottish Government to heed the city council’s calls to invest in improvements to Dundee’s rail station, which is not fit for purpose in the 21st century. — Fraser Macpherson, Councillor for the West End, Dundee City Council.
TV takeover
As kids in Dundee begin the countdown to the school summer holidays, Virgin Media announces a nationwide search to find a ‘kids TV controller’ to take charge of the TV on demand service this summer.
The search comes off the back of a survey which reveals over half (61%) of children can tire of what’s on the box during their six-week holiday, despite nearly all (92%) saying watching TV is one of their favourite things to do during the break.
For more information or to enter the competition, simply log onto www.virginmedia.com/tvtakeover. Deadline for entries is 5pm Sunday, June 14. — Zoe Salmon.
Face up to open prison concerns
Recent comments from both Justice Secretary Kenny McAskill and First Minister Alex Salmond regarding open prisons illustrate how they have totally missed the issue being raised.
Not many people dispute the fact that the open prison system is in itself beneficial to the majority of people who are sent there and are not looking for it to be closed down.
What is being questioned, but seems to be ignored, is the fact that people who are clearly a potential danger to the public still appear to be assessed as suitable candidates.
And, of course, the SPS refuses to comment on individual cases. Surely it’s time the SPS were told that they must respond to the public concerns and not conveniently sweep these mistakes under the carpet? — Sy Charles, Finlow Terrace, Dundee.
Bus stop hope
I hope there will be a bus stop put near Emmock Woods new housing estate. My granddaughter goes to Forfar from there and she has to walk to the garage to get the bus. It’s a long walk and it will be worse when it’s dark.
A stop nearer the houses would be welcomed. — Caring Granny.
Shock at fete baking ban
I can’t believe the rule on school fetes, which effectively bans home baking, which in my experience is the stall that everyone looks for at any fete.
These stalls raise a lot of money for the events. There is more chance of food poison from a commercial kitchen than a home one due to the amount of people in the commercial kitchen raising the chance of cross contamination. — Allan Petrie.
Summer events
A Summer fete is taking place at Fairmuir Church Hall, Dundee, tomorrow at 1.30pm. Tickets are £2.50 for adults and £1 for children. — Doreen Lyon, Fundraising Committee, Clepington and Fairmuir Parish Church.
Summer Fayre
SS Peter and Paul’s Primary School is holding its Summer Fayre tomorrow from 10am to 1pm. Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for kids (including refreshments). Dennis the Menace will also be there. — Fiona McHugh, Chair of Parent Council.
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