The sheriff acknowledges that the £40,000 fine will hurt only council tax payers, but contends that it was, nonetheless, necessary, and that cannot be argued with. But it does beg the question, if the council taxpayer will be carrying the cost of this wholly avoidable tragedy, who will be carrying the responsibility?

The sheriff says the failings were systematic.

We have heard this kind of language before, very recently, in Dundee, and in relation to Brandon Muir. In that case, too, “system” failings were said to be the cause, but apparently no individual was responsible.

Are we to hear the same lame excuses coming from Dundee Leisure? Or will either someone accept responsibility for their negligence and resign, or failing that, will the most responsible individuals be identified and sacked? One or other of these options is the only possible outcome given the findings of the court case. — Dan D Mann.

Aside from the lack of public consultation, the interesting point in all of this is that the matter reputedly received unanimous support among councillors. I find it hard to believe.

Was everyone asleep when this matter was debated and voted on, or was the wording such that no one noticed? — Observer, Dundee.

What has changed? I would like to see Christmas celebrated as the religious festival it is and always has been in Scotland.

For instance, I wouldn’t expect, or indeed, want, the Muslims in Dundee to change the name of Ramadan, just in case it offends the Christians of this city.

Surely everyone’s feelings should be considered? — Stephen Stewart, Orchard Court, Dundee.

Previous to that, at a poorly-attended Fire Board meeting on September 23, it was agreed that the issue would be included into the papers for members at the meeting in November.

This item was placed on the agenda by the convener and the vice-conveners.

There were no fire officers, senior or otherwise at that meeting only Board members and the clerk to the Board.

Towards a Safer Tayside is an organic document that changes every year to allow the Fire and Rescue to move forward to the benefit of all areas of Tayside and the people living there.

We are living through difficult economic times and all the three constituent councils will have hard decisions to make whilst preparing the budget for February. Departments in councils are being asked to make efficiency saving and the best use of their resources — why would Tayside Fire and Rescue be any different? — Christina Roberts, Vice-convener, Tayside Fire and Rescue.

If anyone deserves to be castigated for their role in the affair, it’s the X Factor judges.

Louis Walsh selected them in his final three and Simon Cowell had a gilt-edged chance to vote them out, but chose not to.

Jedward may not be music to our ears, but they deserve credit for giving it a go, in the face of huge opposition. — X Factor Watcher.

I find this most annoying as there were parking spaces further down Peddie Street.

A census about parking in this area happened about 18 months ago.

We still have heard nothing official regarding this, but we have heard that there is a high demand for spaces in this area of the city.

When the census form was filled out, everyone was under the impression that we were going to be able to park outside our own front door. — West End Resident.

Surely it is safer to have these organised displays and will, in the long term, save money on the fire brigade and ambulance call outs.

If these displays are cancelled, people, who don’t necessarily know what they are doing, might try to organise fireworks in their gardens.

We all know this can lead to terrible accidents. — Anon.

The parents who support the Comfort Fund were wondering if anyone could paint a mural on the fence to make the area more colourful and eye-catching for the children.

If you are able to help, please contact me on 01241 854031. — Janette Shepherd.