In the 10 years or so that have passed since the Scottish Parliament opened, polls have indicated an increase in a sense of pride amongst us Scots.
So where, exactly, does this new-found confidence fit into the report of the Aberdeen retailer selling anti-England World Cup t-shirts saying “ABE” (Anyone But England)?
The usual excuses, the “it’s only banter” and “blame their media”, are trotted out as readily and as predictable as ever.
It is amazing to think that as viewing audiences across the globe estimated at well over one billion tune in to one of the greatest sporting tournaments known to man, Scotland looks parochial and narrow-minded as some of its people openly admit that they desperately hope, not for a great tournament where the best team wins, but that the English lose.
It is also sad to think that despite having a Parliament and a history, the envy of many a country, that the day still has to dawn when some in our midst feel confident enough to cast off the chip on their shoulders and can say the name “England” without retching. — Not In My Name.
Do multis aid regeneration?
Councillor Jimmy Black suggests that ‘many people like living in multis’.
That may be the case, but on the other hand, there are plenty residents living in the multis’ shadow who think they are a horrendous eyesore.
Hilltown — specifically the sites where the high-rise blocks currently are — will be the focus of a future regeneration project. If the multis on Derby Street are left to stand, would any reputable property developer consider buying the surrounding land to build new homes on?
If they did, who subsequently would buy them? A home lying under the silhouette of a 1960’s planners dream, which went wrong, would not be my first choice if looking to gain a foothold on the property ladder. — Phil Welsh, Butterburn Square.
Duty of housing department
While I support Councillor Jimmy Black’s call for an intelligent debate on the issue of multi demolitions in Dundee, I think he passed the buck over who should deal with the problems surrounding multis.
Councillor Black, who is the convener of housing, said, “Letter writer Local Resident objects to people throwing rubbish out of multi windows. Quite right, but the real answer is for police and waste management to target the offenders.”
Is it not the duty of the housing department to ensure their tenants abide by their tenancy agreements, which include not allowing anyone living in or visiting their home to cause a nuisance to their neighbours or community?
Have intelligent debate on the issue, but let’s make sure that those charged with the responsibility of dealing with the problems do so and allow the police to deal with more serious crimes in the city. — Allan Petrie, Blacklock Crescent.
Who will foot upgrade bill?
Dundee City Council is in talks with Angus Housing and other private housing associations with regard to the future of Bucklemaker and Butterburn Courts.
The question is, if a private concern does become owner of the two high-rise blocks, what sort of rent will be charged? Surely an upgrade and remodernisation of the buildings would cost millions.
Will this expenditure be reflected in a massive increase in rent?
This ultimately poses another question. Who will be able to afford this — the existing tenants? — High Rise.
Provide place for travellers
I read that travellers have set up camp at the Camperdown Leisure Park, Dundee.
Dundee City Council did not want these people in Dundee, but when the boundary extended into Angus, they managed to provide a site at Balmuir Wood which is, of course, now in Angus.
Why doesn’t Dundee City Council live up to its responsibilities and provide a site?
An ideal location is the old caravan/camping site at Camperdown Park which has all services on site and would not take a great deal of money to reinstate.
Having done this, the authorities would have a right to move these people as they will have provided a site for travelling people. So until such times as that happens live and let live. — Disgruntled.
Had chance to do something
Dundee’s Lib Dem councillor Fraser Macpherson seems to blaming Joe FitzPatrick, the SNP MSP for Dundee West, for the abysmal job situation in the city.
Fraser said he was “hugely disappointed” at the lack of response to a letter sent to all seven regional MSPs and the two constituency members for Dundee West and Dundee East. The letter was a request for support to back a push to bring in more civil service positions.
However, I point out it was Fraser Macpherson who enjoyed the reins of power in Dundee for years with his Labour Party bedmates. Why wasn’t more done then?
The lack of civil service jobs in Dundee is not a new problem. — Kevin Donnelly.
Timing is not an issue
As the Scottish Government publishes its proposals for a referendum, we are told by their opponents that we shouldn’t have a referendum in the middle of the recession.
Can these opponents explain, therefore, why their parties backed a referendum in Wales to give the Welsh Assembly more powers and a UK wide referendum to change the voting system?
It couldn’t possibly be that for all their bluster and rhetoric they are scared the Scottish people might actually back the Scottish Government? — Political Connoisseur.
Bigger issues than referendum
The issue with Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her letter writing is the latest in a series of problems to hit the Scottish Government.
The cracks are showing in Dundee and at Holyrood.
People are tiring of the Nationalist agenda which asks big questions for the future of the Scottish people.
We have bigger issues to deal with at the moment than a referendum. — K.J. MacDougall.
Spring clean
Friends of Baxter Park is holding its next work session in the Spring Grove area on Saturday, March 13. Please note this has been changed from the scheduled date of Saturday, March 6.
The big cutting back and clearout we undertook last session has made a big visual difference to the area and we’re now really starting to the see the fruits of our labours over the past 18 months or so.
All are welcome to join us, 10am—12noon, as usual.
Please let me know if you intend coming along. — Kenneth Crooks, Vice Chairman, Friends of Baxter Park.
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