I WONDER what the long-term effects of this icy period will have on the planning efforts of local authorities up and down the country.
In Dundee, and the surrounding area, there has been plenty of coverage of paths not gritted, roads treacherous and generally terrible conditions — and we have not even had it that bad compared to some parts of the UK.
The thinking seems to have always been that we have the capability to deal with bad weather.
However, probably not that many people could have foreseen that the so-called “cold-snap” would last this long.
If our winters are set to become more hazardous, then surely a new long-term strategy to keep the country up and running in the face of extreme weather conditions is necessary.
A good example is the outrage caused by Dundee City Council’s request for able-bodied people to grit their own roads and paths.
In this immediate situation, I believe it is not an unacceptable thing to ask, but it’s not a long-term solution.
It’s time to put thinking caps on and prepare for winters of extremities. — Realist.
Drivers ignoring pedestrian area
THE PEDESTRIAN area outside McManus Galleries, Dundee, between the Forum Centre and the Counting House pub, is an accident waiting to happen.
I have crossed there on numerous occasions and have nearly been knocked down by passing cars cutting through, as the road and pavement is the same level.
I think some drivers are ignoring the fact it is a pedestrian area.
There needs to be clearer signs and someone keeping an eye on this area before there is an accident. — J. J.
Late bars would ease problems
HAVING VISITED nearly the whole of Europe on my travels, I have to agree with Crusty Punk’s letter regarding changes required in Britain’s drink culture.
Only a handful of pubs open till 1am at weekends.
If you cannot get out for the evening until later, you’re just beginning to enjoy yourself, when you have to either go home or pay into a nightclub.
Swedish and Czech Republic bars are open till 3am with nightclubs often until 5am.
Tallin in Estonia is the same with even a 24-hour bar there.
The Czech Republic is the cheapest place for alcohol I’ve been to.
The country did not seem to have a problem — apart from the binge drinking Brits on hen or stag parties.
Binge drinking is the root of most of this country’s alcohol-related violence problems.
Things would be more relaxed if bars were open till 1 or 2am in this country at weekends. — Hoff Empty.
Prohibition for poor people
I AM almost 70 years old and have never been in trouble with the law, not even a parking ticket.
I am also a long-time supporter of Scots independence. However, I object to the SNP’s proposed bill on minimum pricing for alcohol.
It discriminates against pensioners like me.
No doubt it seems a good idea to highly-paid health chiefs and politicians, who will still enjoy their fine wines and single malts.
Perhaps the proposed bill should be named prohibition for poor people? — Equality Man.
Begging problem
I VISITED Dundee city centre recently. I parked at the Seagate and walked to Boots to do some shopping.
On my journey there, I counted six people begging.
I am all in favour of helping my fellow man. However, I do happen to know two of these “beggars” and I suspect they are not down on their luck as they appear to be, as the government supports them and their families.
It beggars belief. — R. Thompson, Fountainbleu Drive, Dundee.
How does NHS cope?
I WAS at my doctor’s surgery in Dundee and in the waiting room was a notice saying 137 people failed to keep a doctor’s appointment and 65 people failed to keep an appointment to see a nurse.
That was for the previous month. On asking the receptionist was it old or elderly people not turning up, she said it was all ages.
Some young people would phone in the morning, get an appointment in the afternoon, but didn’t turn up.
I know this happens all the time in Ninewells and costs, I was told, £40 down the drain every time a patient didn’t turn up.
It’s a wonder the National Health Services survives. — Costly.
Stark choice
AROUND 43,200 people will die from the cold this winter because of soaring gas and electricity costs and many of the deaths will be among the elderly, who often face a stark choice between heating and eating.
Three million pensioners are in fuel poverty, yet £4.5 billion in benefits remains unclaimed by pensioners. Benefits that could make a vital difference.
Why do the elderly not claim these benefits?
Because they do not know they may be entitled, are often too afraid or too proud to ask for advice and because claiming is such a difficult process with complicated claim forms and intrusive, repetitive questions.
Benefit Information Services have designed a simple questionnaire to help identify any benefits that pensioners could claim.
For your free copy telephone 08456 120474. — Suzanne Brennan, Director.
Door strippers
I HAVE been trying to find a door stripping company in the Dundee area and wonder if anyone can help? — Mrs Barnett, Arbroath Road.
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