As a Lochee resident for many years, I have witnessed the degeneration of what was once a bustling and vibrant shopping area.
The time the postal authorities agreed to transfer the High Street post office to Tesco was the start.
At the time I approached the local MP and councillors expressing fears it would remove a large amount of spending power from the High Street and so affect the livelihood of small businesses.
I have listened to the shopkeepers’ complaints regarding the phased improvements to the High Street and how much it is costing them, but I am prepared to wait and see the finished product and perhaps they should do the same before casting judgment.
The shopkeepers moan about the loss of trade, but do they really care about the Lochee people? During the worst of the winter weather I approached one shopkeeper and suggested it would be a benefit to their customers if they cleared the snow from the shop front and the answer I received was, “It is not my job, that’s what I pay my taxes for.” I don’t spend a great deal in Lochee, but I now spend a lot less.
Short-term loss may ultimately lead to long-term gain, so I suggest businesses make the best of the situation. — Lochee One.
Charity wedding show big success
The Tayside Wedding Show at the Caird Hall on Sunday was a spectacular success and helped raise over £3000 for children in our local area.
Over 80 exhibitors showcased their goods and services to hundreds of couples from all over Tayside.
Thanks to everyone who came along. Special thanks also to Nikki Scott and Lynne Robertson of One Events who organised this fantastic day and Irving of Freedom Hair in Dundee who staged an impressive fashion show including makeovers with hints and tips for looking fabulous on your big day.
The feedback we have received from exhibitors is very positive and many have already shown an interest in next year’s show.
Cash for Kids is reliant on events like this to ensure we can assist around 26,000 children in Tay Territory every year.
The support and generosity shown by the organisers, exhibitors and members of the public was outstanding and will go a long way in helping us to achieve our goal. — Lynda Curran, Cash For Kids Co-ordinator
Carers may be able to claim more
Changes in benefits rules will help more Scottish carers claim.
From April 12, Carer’s Allowance, the only state benefit specifically aimed at carers, will be made available to a greater number of those who are working.
Carer’s Allowance cannot be paid to a carer if they work and earn more than a set amount. The UK Government has announced that this earnings limit will be raised from £95 to £100 after tax deductions — the first time it has been changed since 2007.
For working families caring for a disabled child, the Carer’s Allowance rules allow certain childcare costs to be deducted from earnings, so some may qualify even though they are earning slightly more than £100 per week. It’s good news for working carers in Scotland who provide 35 hours a week of care, but are just missing out on Carer’s Allowance.
From April, Carer’s Allowance will rise from £53.10 per week to £53.90.
Contact A Family supports families who care for a disabled child.
Contact A Family’s free Helpline can advise families with disabled children who want to know if the change in the rules will help them claim Carer’s Allowance. Call 0808 808 3555. — Ellenor Anwyl, Director, Contact A Family Scotland, Craigmillar Social Enterprise and Arts Centre, 11/9 Harewood Road, Edinburgh EH16 4NT.
Missing dog
Our 10-month-old border collie is missing. He was last seen on Friday, February 26 at 7am on Grassy beach, Broughty Ferry.
Moss has one white sock and a white tail tip and was wearing a fluorescent yellow vest and collar with a bone shaped ID tag. Call 07902 221301 or 01382 477246. There will be a reward for the safe return of Moss. — Owner.
Public tired of rows
The manufactured scandal that was “lunchgate” has been dismissed by Scottish Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.
This is the latest in a long line of spurious complaints to the various standards bodies and again, like all the others, has been proved to be without foundation.
One wonders in these times of fiscal hardship how much time and money is being spent investigating these matters?
Since the advent of an SNP administration, Alex Salmond has been likened to Stalin (Tories), Mussolini (Labour), and Hitler (Labour and Tories).
No mean feat for a man leading a minority government in a democracy.
Is it any wonder that the public is turned off by politics? — The Watchman.
Harris reunion
Did you start first year in 1984 at the “wee” Harris (or Newtyle) and finish “big” Harris in 1990?
Our 20-year reunion, 80’s disco and buffet has been organised for the evening of Saturday, June 26, at 8 pm to midnight in the West Park Centre (opposite the Harris). Ticket details to follow.
Anyone who would like to attend, please get in touch. Any photos of life at Harris between 1984 and 1990 would be much appreciated.
Contact us at harris1990reunion@hotmail.com or on Facebook page harris1990reunion. — Gillian Brand.
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