Every day we hear of the perils of global warming and climate change.
Only this week an island in the Bay of Bengal has disappeared, submerged by rising sea levels.
Dundee has a glorious opportunity to embrace new technology that will help in the fight against climate change, but, instead, people wish to bury their heads in the sand and would rather complain about the views.
It is not as though Olympia and several other buildings along the waterfront are picture postcard.
Action is needed now. However, we cannot site turbines in the countryside for fear of spoiling the view and now urban sites are also vetoed for the same reason.
Dundee City Council should be commended for having the courage to stand up and be counted in what is a global battle.
Dundee is sending out the right message and it is up to others to rise to that challenge. — The Watchman.
Benefit all of us
Opponents of the plan to build new turbines in Dundee have claimed the only ones to benefit from the wind turbines partnership is harbour owners, Forth Ports and Scottish and Southern Energy.
However, I argue that, in the long run, the benefit will be to all of us.
These wind turbines are not the most aesthetically pleasing objects to look at, but I would like Dundee City Council to set aside green corridors for hundreds of wind turbines across Dundee with the backing of the people of the city to try to make a difference for my children’s future.
The wind of change is coming whether people like it or not. — George Scullion, Bellisle Drive, Dundee.
One-way works well
Brook Street
Why is there upset at a section of Brook Street in Broughty Ferry being one way?
A letter writer complains that the system leads to traffic chaos, but I think this was one of the best things to happen there as it was total congestion and chaos previously.
There are now plenty of parking spaces and pedestrians can cross more easily. As far as having to wait for buses and bin lorries, this happens in other streets also. A wee bit of patience is all that is needed.
If you do not have to do business in this street, then go another route as there are plenty of alternatives.
Shopkeepers all seem to be trading successfully and there is even a new shop opening in what some people regard as a no-profit making area.
There does not seem to be any trouble so leave it as it is. Certainly do not go back to a two-way system which was absolutely chaotic all the time. — B. C., Monifieth.
Dog chip bill stealth tax
I read with interest that one of the political parties would wish to pass a bill where it would be law to have your dog fitted with chips for identity purposes.
This could cost in the region of £500 a year, give or take.
I think it’s a sad state of affairs for pet owners when you think of the pensioners and other dog owners who love and take good care of their pets and what some of them have in terms of income with rent, electric, gas etc.
It will be a stealth tax on their finances. This is one bill that I don’t want to be passed in the interest of common sense. — Jimmy Borland.
Covers success
I am de lighted for Susan Boyle, having just received her hefty royalty cheque.
It is another triumph for artists covering other people’s songs.
Other examples proliferate, like Petula Clark’s 60s renaissance, made possible by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, penning her hit after hit.
Susan Boyle, like Petula before her, is obviously choosing material very well, judging by the success she is enjoying. — J. I. Matthew, Dundee.
Passive smoking can harm pets
Following the call by senior doctors for a ban on smoking in cars, vet charity, PDSA, would like to remind owners that pets, just like humans, can be affected by inhaling second-hand smoke.
When people smoke in confined spaces, any passengers, be they people or pets, will have no choice but to inhale the toxic fumes.
Research shows cats that are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke in the home are twice as likely to develop feline lymphoma, a potentially fatal form of cancer.
It can also cause breathing problems, sneezing and coughing.
Dogs are also very susceptible to smoking-related respiratory problems; studies have linked exposure to tobacco smoke to both nasal and sinus cancers.
The negative effects of passive smoking on human health are well known, but many smokers don’t realise that their habit may also be damaging their pet’s health.
Prolonged exposure to smoking will eventually take its toll on our pets, who may go on to suffer the pain and distress of chronic breathing difficulties or cancer.
So we are urging owners to think about their four-legged friend’s health as well as their own before the light up.
For more advice and information about pet health visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealth. — Sean Wensley, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon.
Grove proposal
This proposal for Grove Academy must surely be welcomed as a vital boost to the Broughty Ferry economy.
Although there appears to be some disquiet over this jobs relocation proposal for the old Grove Academy building surrounding the potential traffic impact, it must be noted that Dundee High School seems to manage in a very similar situation.
As all residents know, parking in Broughty Ferry is always at a premium, but if there are any concerns about the volume of traffic, perhaps more should be done to encourage pupils to walk to school?
This would have the two-fold benefit of fighting obesity and lessening the traffic. — The Watchman.
Dogs on leads
I write in reply to letter writer ‘Two Cat Family’.
My comment about chasing cats was a throwaway comment and one which was meant to imply Shevvy would be feeling better and running around and doing doggie things again (i.e. chasing cats).
You wouldn’t need to worry if Shevvy caught a cat anyway, as he is such a big softy, he would end up kissing it rather than doing it any harm. — Doug Walker.
Dryburgh problems
I’m a resident of Dryburgh, Dundee.
I’m unhappy the council are letting new houses get built in Ettrick Crescent when there are gangs of girls and boys engaging in anti-social behaviour.
I think that the money spent to build these houses should go to get increased security for existing premises. — Unhappy Dryburgh Resident.
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