The Tele headline stating people are being mugged for £2 in Dundee clearly illustrates how our politicians, egged on by well-meaning liberals, have failed ordinary people.
The story revealed 34 were mugged in Dundee over the last six months, with seven attacks taking place in the city centre and five in the Hilltown alone.
Eleven of those targeted were injured and, on three occasions, victims required hospital treatment. Five were OAPs.
Five incidents saw the assailants flee empty-handed, while the smallest haul was £2.
Several commentators point to problems being drugs related. Yet when caught, lenient sentences are frequently passed down to the perpetrators.
Current policy appears to focus on keeping criminals out of jail rather than making sure the frail and elderly can venture out without fear.
Indeed, if the Government’s policy for tackling knife crime was passed, using their own figures around 80% of those convicted in 2009 of the more serious knife crime offences would have escaped jail.
Everyone accepts the police cannot be everywhere and most acknowledge that community wardens can only do so much.
A change in the mindset of many of Scotland’s politicians is required. They need to take time out from telling us how good a job they are doing and make sure those who assault, stab and murder get long sentences.
The last thing anyone wants is ordinary people taking the law into their own hands. — Dundee Reader.
Give kids a future
When is the legal system going to realise that community service, probation or tagging is not preventing crime?
Instead of our workmen having to clean up after them, make the offenders do the work, like scrubbing the walls, sweeping the town centre on Saturday and Sunday mornings and clearing the burns and park of debris.
On a wider scale, the authorities must do everything they can to ensure as many jobs and opportunities are available in Dundee
If we give the kids a future and the chance to do well, it may prevent them from heading towards a life of crime. — O.A.P.
Clean up urgently required
Cygnets at Swannie Ponds
I took this picture of the cygnets at Swannie Ponds, Dundee.
It’s such a shame that these birds have to live in a dirty pond.
There’s empty cans, plastic bags and bottles all over the place and the pond is generally very dirty and needs cleaned as soon as possible for the good of not only people, but also the wildlife. — Birder.
Mud and mess
I agree with the letter writers who have complained about the state of Swannie Ponds.
This is a large and popular facility for the people who live in this area, as well as those from further afield.
Although there has been work going on there recently, there is still plenty of mud and mess, which is surely putting people off going to the park.
It’s summer time and this space is great for kids and families, so I hope the situation is rectified as a matter of urgency. — Resident.
Ethical lives
A new group, The Green Fork — Tayside, focusing on healthy, low-carbon food will be launched with a free talk and workshop on Saturday, June 19, at the Central Library, Dundee from noon to 2 pm.
There will be free compassionate-living guides focusing on ethical and compassionate living in Tayside and lots more free literature to be taken away.
The event is designed to introduce everyone to a more ethical lifestyle, with free food and tips on how to make simple and practical changes that can have a real impact on your own health and the health of the environment. Please email bookings@greenfork.org.uk to book a place. — Staff.
Volunteer appeal
Thanks to the volunteers of Dundee Independent Advocacy Support who give so much of their time and energy throughout the year.
They are very special people who work quietly in the background with a person who has no one independent in their life. Their support ensures the person has someone who is there for them.
Anyone who may be interested in joining our group of advocates can contact me on 205515. — Aileen Farquharson, Volunteer Manager, Dundee Independent Advocacy Support, Meadow Mill, Dundee.
Flowers not priority
I have been puzzled by the digging and building outside of Poundstretchers in Lochee High Street, so I asked one of the shop assistants in the store when I went in just what was being done outside the store.
I was told that “they are building a boat to take a flower display”.
Now that’s all very well, but considering Lochee High Street doesn’t have a proper supermarket and few public conveniences, I would have thought flowers would be pretty much near the bottom of the list to get Lochee a thriving shopping centre again like the way it used to be. — Lochee Lady.
Selling multis
I agree with W. Kinloch’s idea about selling of the Derby Street multi flats in Dundee privately for £35K each.
They did this for a council- run multi in London near the River Thames, and I’m sure each flat is now worth much more than £100,000.
I’m not saying the flats in Dundee would ever reach these sorts of prices, but they would be ideal for first time buyers. — Opinionated.
Pothole problems
Is Dundee City Council going to sort the pavement just before the bus stop, opposite St John’s High School?
Motorists have been complaining about the damage done to their cars due to potholes in the road.
Well what about pedestrians? I had a very bad fall due to a pothole on the pavement, near a bus stop.
I am 70 years old. The bus stop in question is opposite St John’s, Harefield Road, and beside sheltered housing.
This has been reported a few times to my knowledge. — Shaken.
Dundonians must get Proms tickets
The Proms is a British institution, with the Last Night compulsory viewing for many millions across the country.
I congratulate everyone who has played a part in bringing Scotland’s Last Night to Dundee, following Glasgow’s decision not to host it.
The Caird Hall is a perfect stage for such an extravaganza.
Given that demand for tickets will outstrip supply, I hope the organisers do all they can to ensure priority goes to Dundee residents. — CEC.
THE ADDRESS for readers’ letters is - Readers’ Page, Evening Telegraph, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL. They can also be placed in our post box at our offices in Albert Square, Dundee, emailed to us on letters@eveningtelegraph.co.uk or faxed on 01382 454590. We ask correspondents using a nom-de-plume or sending by e-mail to provide a name and address for reference purposes. The editor reserves the right to reject or edit any letter. Please keep letters as short as possible.*
