Now that Lochee High Street has reopened, it seems that people still want to complain about the area.
A lot of these criticisms are unfounded. Yes, the area lacks decent retailers and the exodus of the past few years cannot be compensated by what are mainly cosmetic improvements.
However, what are the powers-that-be supposed to do? They cannot put a gun to people’s heads and force them to move into the area.
They have to do what they can and I suggest this work to generally improve the appearance of the area is a decent start.
I walked through the area at the weekend and it was bustling and looked nice in the sunshine. It’s just the start. Hopefully, from here, things are only going to get better.
The vandalism is a shame, there is no doubt about that, but we can’t let the actions of a few mindless people destroy what we are trying to do in Lochee.
Small steps to make Lochee more appealing will ultimately result in the area becoming more desirable and hopefully, in the long-term, businesses deciding there is value in having a presence in the area again.
There is no overnight cure for the problems Lochee faces, so we have to view this as a positive step, which is, hopefully, the first of many to restore Lochee to its former glory. — Lochee Resident.
Clatto should be restored
Clatto Reservoir is a shadow of what it once was.
I agree with the letter writer who was shocked by the state of Clatto Reservoir, near Dundee
This used to be a place to go for a nice family day out, but not any more.
From the vandalised sign as you enter, to the state of the water with rubbish lining the banks etc, the place is just run down and hugely unappealing. The centre is now nothing but an eyesore.
The letter writer made a good point in saying we have to look beyond the waterfront development. Of course, this is important for tourism and the economy, but there is more to the city and the area than just the waterfront and it is essential other parts of Dundee are not allowed to fall into disrepair.
Clatto Reservoir could be a great tourism venue once more and I don’t think in the grand scheme of things it would be too expensive to bring this facility back to something approaching its former glory. — Reader.
Fear for pond life
When is action going to be taken to clean up the Stobsmuir Ponds, Dundee, particularly the pond with the island?
I have read several letters over the past few weeks criticising various aspects of this area, but it seems to me the situation is getting worse rather than better.
The surface is completely covered with what looks to be algae, and there were various items such as plastic bags and bottles floating around.
Not only is this harmful to the ducks, swans, etc, it is an eyesore. — Environmentally Concerned.
Wage bill could be slashed in other ways
On the subject of the claims that Dundee City Council is slashing 660 jobs, maybe the authority should be looking at other ways of slashing its wage bill.
I work in a residential home and every night there is a senior sleeping over who gets about £30 for sleeping and if they are called out of their bed for any longer than two hours they get more.
I am sure the responsible person on night shift can deal with any problems that arise through the night.
When you think that there are four homes in Dundee, that would be a saving of £840 a week. — Annoyed Council Worker.
Animal charity
Heartstrings is an animal welfare appeal that has been operating for some time in the Highland and Islands.
As last year unfolded we received feedback that many centres/shelters throughout Scotland were struggling with the credit crunch. With this in mind we have recently added all Angus animal charities/shelters to our main listings.
Our appeal is based on giving people the opportunity to download my double CD Heartstrings and/or to take advantage of the many tips and articles on our web pages in return for a voluntary donation to their preferred animal charity/shelter. Donations are given direct and no money comes to us. For further information please visit www.heartstrings.org.uk. — Ronnie and Grace Sinclair.
Charity walk
Easy Walkers has three new volunteers joining the charity.
To celebrate, we are holding a sponsored walk on Saturday at Forfar Loch from noon in aid of local animal charities.
Everyone is welcome to attend providing pets are kept on leads.
For more information, please contact Easy Walkers on 07518 559707. — Daryl B, Easy Walkers.
Missing cat
Our four-year-old silver-grey, long haired female cat has been missing since Friday.
She is a gentle, but timid cat. She has a microchip logged with Petlog. We offer a substantial reward for her return.
Can any readers in or around the Clattowoods area and St Mary’s please take five minutes to check any outbuildings, sheds and garages that she may have wandered into?
Any information, please contact me on 07841039619. — Paul Fox, Clattowoods Terrace.
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.*
