I read with interest the letter by Herr Schadenfraude on the subject of Monifieth and its problems. I am a resident of the town, living here with my young family and I can vouch for the total lack of amenities as well as the lack of any kind of determination by the local councillors to change this.
I moved here a year ago and while at first I enjoyed the open green spaces and safety aspects of living in this suburban area, there are things I truly miss about Dundee City Council (and I never thought I would say that).
For instance our rubbish is collected once every two weeks. There is some kind of vendetta against dog-walkers in that the council refuses to put up any dog bins, claiming it is “too expensive” and I cannot count the number of times I have watched elderly residents struggle along unsalted pavements in bad weather.
There is a lack of community space, with the majority of activities aimed at “over 25s” — which is quite insulting to an active member of the community who pays council tax and is only 23.
This area is absolutely targeted at the older generation, but I point out there are younger families living here, too, and I think councillors should take note, and try to keep them here. Regeneration can only happen with new blood.
I see with the grant the council got it is going to put out some lovely potted flowers. They won’t distract me from the cracks in the wall. — We Don’t Matter.
Should have links
Monifieth is an ancient town and has never been a part of Dundee, either historically, geographically or culturally. It was included in Dundee’s political boundaries between 1975 and 1996 and these years coincided with a rapid decline in the town’s fortunes.
The people of Monifieth paid millions in rates/council tax to Dundee District Council, but got very little in return.
Monifieth High School was built when Dundee was the town’s overlord, but to the best of my knowledge, the good people of Dundee did not have a whip round and pay for the school out of their pockets. The plans for the school had been in place long before Monifieth came under Dundee’s control and its building was funded by local taxation, of which the residents of Monifieth, as rate payers to Dundee council, more than contributed to its cost.
Monifieth people do use its neighbour’s amenities and facilities and we do have jobs in the city. However, we pay for these services as nothing comes free. We also spend lots of our cash in Dundee shops, boosting the economy.
I believe in Monifieth’s independence from Dundee, but I also believe the town should have close links with the city of Dundee. However, it’s not helped when a minority of Dundee people take pleasure in the problems that Monifieth is experiencing. — Moniteucher.
Meerkat guardian angel?
Long ago, buildings were protected from pigeons by placing stone owls, cats or hawks on the roof.
But here in Dundee we have what looks like meerkats on the corner of West Wynd/Perth Road.
Look closely next time you pass and you will see them standing tall. — Mrs Hutchison.
Worrying problem
I writeto highlight the extremely worrying problem of underage drinking around the St Mary’s area of Dundee.
Twice last week I witnessed a group of youths around the age of 14 walking through the streets of St Mary’s drinking large bottles of cider.
The youths walk down from Clatto, vandalising cars and bus stops on a weekly basis and there does not appear to be anything getting done about this anti-social behaviour. The shops are refusing to sell alcohol to adults who look younger than 25 but it seems to be no problem for 14-year-old kids to get their hands on alcohol and freely walk the streets. — S. B.
Great Daze
Having read about other schools in the paper recently, I couldn’t allow the Primary 7 show at Craigowl PS go without mention. Not being a great fan of children’s shows, it was after some persuasion that I attended, not expecting too much. ‘School Daze’ was great fun and a very imaginative performance.
What a bunch of confident, talented kids. The characters and songs were brilliant. Full of cleverly matched songs and sketches, what made it all more pleasing was the obvious rapport between staff and pupils. The sending up of the staff was hilarious, they took it all in good humour, with wide grins everywhere.
The finale with staff taking part was great. All the best in high school. — Amateur Critic.
Versatile performer
I was pleased to see stars gather in homage to the late Danny La Rue.
Although well-known, one aspect of his illustrious career I feel has been glossed over is his 1968 rendition of On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep.
Released on the Red Page One label, this is the best version of that song I have ever heard — Danny made it his own.
The flipside is The Impossible Dream, further cementing my belief that he was a highly entertaining and novel singer (as well as a versatile/greatest drag-artiste). — J. I. Matthews.
Out of pocket after jury service
I was on jury service recently and put in for my expenses to cover my missed wages for that week. I was told I would only be entitled to £63 per day and that if I was short of wages, to see my employer to make up the rest. My employer didn’t do this, so the expenses cheque only covered half of my weekly wage.
I find this incredible that the general public is doing a service and being penalised.
It should be up to the court to ensure you get paid exactly what wages you would have been getting from your employer for time in court. — Out-of-Pocket Juror.
Putting greens
I read the article about dilapidated tennis courts with interest. Dundee City Council is always telling us to go out and about and exercise — so we tried, but it was a disaster.
I also wondered about the lack of putting greens in Dundee — where have they all gone?
There used to be a great pitch and putt in Balgay Park. We had to go to Montrose for a game which was great, but why on earth did we have to go so far just to get a wee game of putting? — Morag Walker.
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