I wonder if Mike Galloway, Dundee’s director of City Development, enjoys relaxing in his home?
Perhaps he can read the paper in peace, watch TV or sing along to the radio with the window open enjoying the fresh air. Once he has tired himself out from doing all this he might even be able to have 40 winks in his favourite armchair.
I can’t.
Since the redevelopment of the Waterfront, diverted traffic has been forced onto the Seagate which was already a congested nightmare.
Now we have constant noise and air pollution from the additional heavy duty builders’ vehicles required to achieve the goal of “reconnecting the city centre with the Tay”.
My heart goes out to all the fed up bus users stuck in traffic jams outside my window. Feel free to wave the next time you are having a good old nosey.
The knock-on effect for city centre dwellers and council tax payers is horrendous. Before all the smarty pants out there suggest I move, remember dear taxpayer, that it was not that long ago your council was encouraging people like myself to move into the city centre to achieve its aim of regenerating the area.
Consultation with local residents has been a fiasco and can only be described as lip service. — Ear Plugs Fan.
Disgust at racist abuse
Lalit Sharma.
Linlathen businessman Lalit Sharma, who runs the small shop on Glenconnor Drive, has been forced from his enterprise due to abuse from local youths.
I wish him all the best in his future business endeavours if he moves on.
The most concerning factor for me is that some of these young people are better educated than their parents, who lack common-sense and normal parenting skills, and therefore the youths have no-one to keep them in check. — Linlathen Resident.
Reminded of cheque incident
Having read your article headed “Racist youths force out shopkeeper”, I was reminded of an incident in a shop in Broughty Ferry.
The assistant was subjected to a torrent of abuse, some of which was racist, from two people because he couldn’t accept their cheque.
I was horrified by their behaviour. — G. W.
Hogmanay party plan shelved
Earlier this year SNP councillor Jimmy Black promised he would do his best to ensure Dundee gets a Hogmanay party this year.
Since the SNP took control of Dundee Council there has been a deafening silence from Councillor Black and the other SNP councillors about their promise to provide the city with a Hogmanay party.
Could the Tele ask Councillor Black what steps he has taken to ensure he fulfils his promise and if the city will get a Hogmanay party in 2009? — Party Lad.
[The Tele contacted Councillor Black, who admitted his bid to stage a Hogmanay party in the city will have to be shelved for this year.
He said, “I would like to make it clear that when I said I would push for a Hogmanay party I was speaking as an individual councillor and not as part of the SNP group.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a budget for a Hogmanay party this year as the budget we’re working to was set by a previous administration and there are certain things — like crowd control — that provisions would have to be made for. We just don’t have that money at the moment.
“It’s always disappointing when you don’t manage to achieve an ambition, but Hogmanay celebrations are something that myself and many of my colleagues are in favour of in future.
“However, the Winter Light Night on November 27, is set to be a great night. There is a whole range of things planned, from live music to various lighting displays.”]
Weekly chance to debate with First Minister
Regarding the letter from Holyrood Watcher claiming Alex Salmond has turned down the opportunity to debate with Iain Gray of the Labour Party.
Does he/she seriously expect the First Minister to cancel his commitments for St Andrew’s Day to debate with Mr Gray, especially during our Year of Homecoming?
Every Thursday, Iain Gray has the opportunity to ask questions of the First Minister during First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood. It is not Alex Salmond’s fault Iain Gray can’t ask the right questions.
Tavish Scott and Annabel Goldie appear to manage fine in holding him to account without asking him to clear his diary on the day we celebrate our country’s patron saint. — Lochee Lad.
Glutton for punishment
Holyrood Watcher complains that Alex Salmond refuses to debate with Iain Gray.
The writer should watch First Minister’s Questions and see and hear Iain Gray and the rest being routinely chewed up by Alex Salmond and spat out over the floor of our Parliament.
Iain is obviously a glutton for punishment. — Gerry McGuigan, Forebank Road, Dundee.
Daily parking problems
It is a daily nightmare at Dundee’s St Joseph’s Primary approximately 3.05-3.20 any afternoon.
Every bit of double yellow lines on Bellfield Street is covered by cars illegally parking.
To make matters worse most of the parents think it is acceptable to park their car on the road, than wander into the playground and chat to other parents for 10 minutes prior to kids coming out.
It is only a matter of time until there is a serious accident with kids attempting to cross the road where their vision is blocked by parked cars. — Anxious Grandparent.
Fancy dress night
A fancy dress disco for Scouts, Cubs, Explorers and Beavers is taking place in the Nine Maidens, Dundee, on Friday at 7.30pm in aid of funds for 5th Scout Hall. All families welcome. Tickets £3. Contact 01382 523427. — Staff.
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