I have been contacted by a number of concerned parents regarding the repair of roads/carriageways around schools across Dundee.
Initially I ask that the roads directly around the city’s schools be surveyed and, if required, immediate remedial action be taken to deliver an effective repair, with a further review once each school has a travel plan and safe routes to the school have been established.
I took the time to go around all the schools within my own Strathmartine Ward area and, while I consider that a number of carriageways are less than perfect, the following roads are substandard and urgently need resurfaced:
St Clement Place and St Columba Gardens — these are outside Craigowl Primary School.
St Leonard Road/St Mary’s Road — these are outside St Andrew’s Primary School.
Until an effective repair has taken place, I would urge drivers with extra caution around these schools. I know that good drivers will always take into account the road conditions.
However, these poor surfaces will mean an extension to the normal breaking distances of any vehicles and an increased risk to the children crossing roads to attend these schools. — Councillor Kevin Keenan, Strathmartine Ward.
Unofficial taxi rank?
It appears taxi drivers in Dundee have found a new rank outside St Andrew’s RC Cathedral.
The road is clearly marked with double yellow lines, which, to most of us, means we are not allowed to park there.
Or if we do, we are likely to receive a parking ticket.
Are these taxi drivers being issued with tickets? It is clearly not a designated rank, so why are they being allowed to park there? — Yellow Peril
[A Dundee City Council spokesman said, “Under existing traffic management legislation, parking enforcement can only be carried out following an observation of a contravention by a parking attendant.
“Our enforcement policy does not give any preferential treatment to any group of road users, including taxi drivers.
“Parking attendants will issue a Penalty Charge Notice whenever and wherever a contravention of parking regulations is observed.”]
One area spoils look of cemetery
The Balgay Cemetery in Dundee looks really nice just now — that is all except the last row of graves next to the fence beside Royal Victoria Hospital. This part always looks a bit neglected.
I hope it gets tidied up soon. I’ve complained about this before.
It looks out of place with the rest of the cemetery. — Wondering Why.
MPs expenses are more than I live on
I have just been reading over the expenses and the receipts of our country’s MPs.
I am appalled to discover that Dundee West MP Jim McGovern claimed for soft drinks, a tin opener and a jar of Nescafe Gold blend, oh and I forgot to mention a chair costing £99 as part of his furnishings for his London property. He has also continiously claimed £400 per month on food when he is in London all by himself.
I don’t have £400 to spend on food per month for my family as like many others in this country these days as we have to spend it on electric and gas. The parts of Dundee which he represents are probably folk in a low income bracket.
I hope this is going to lead to widespread changes in how all our MPs operate. — Shirley Anderson, Dundee.
Calman Commission
I am very disappointed by the reaction of the Unionist parties to the Calman Commission.
This was their commission, paid for by the taxpayer, the results of which they have hailed.
However, they have come out strongly against the notion that the final say on the recommendations, which would make changes to our constitution, should be with the people of Scotland.
What are they scared of? — Political Connoisseur
Go for job not benefit
I respond to letter writer Angry Dundee’s struggle to get benefit.
The writer explains that, after returning from an overseas trip, he or she is struggling to claim Job Seekers Allowance.
I suggest he or she attempts to gain employment.
There are many jobs available in Dundee. It is a sad state of affairs when people who can afford to go travelling can then expect to claim benefits on their return.
Surely benefits should be for people who are under financial hardship.
Some of us cannot afford to go travelling overseas, so why should we work and pay taxes for others to spend their own money on overseas trips? — L. Rodgers
Colourful staff
I was shopping in Bonmarche, Dundee, recently and what a delight it was.
How colourful the girls were looking. They were celebrating back to the 80s in style.
The staff could not have been any more helpful and charming. It’s a pleasure to shop in the store. — Mrs Jean Greig.
Ninewells praise
There are often letters of praise in the Tele for Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
I add to that.
From the moment the paramedics came to my door, it was professional treatment all the way, through A&E, Wards 15 and 1, and on to my discharge.
I cannot praise the staff enough. — W. Hutchinson.
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.*
