I am a Dundee bricklayer and have been out of work for several months.
Last year, when Dundee City Council decided to build new council offices in North Lindsay Street, I was asked to fill in an application at Dundee Jobcentre and was assured that when the work commenced I would be contacted as it would be 70-100% Dundee tradesmen recruited for the job.
To my knowledge, none of my unemployed bricklayer friends have been contacted by Dundee Jobcentre.
In addition, I understand the new Tesco Metro on Strathmartine Road is being constructed by an Edinburgh workforce.
Why are more Dundee tradesmen not being given the chance to work on these projects? — Angry Dundee Brickie.
Pond in bad state
The Camperdown duck pond.
I visited Camperdown Park duck pond in Dundee and was horrified by what I saw.
I was shocked to see it in such a bad state with only a handful of ducks.
The surrounding area was truly overgrown. It would be better named the derelict pond.
What is the council thinking about letting such a popular part of the park get into such a state of disrepair?
Children and adults like to visit this area. Attention has been brought to the Swannie Ponds and mess in that area, so I think it is important awareness is raised about this pond, too. — Helen Blythe.
Double vote within law
Letter writer Political Connoisseur wrote in relation to the Alternative Vote system referendum being held on the same day as the Scottish Parliament Elections.
He or she alleges that this would breach the law, but fails to give either the law that would be breached or the reason this breaches legislation.
The facts of the matter are clear: there is no law in Scotland that forbids the holding of these elections on the same day.
In fact, by holding them on the same day, it saves on closure of schools for voting, the staffing costs of polling station, counting, police time, highly-paid council officers’ time, etc, that a separate day for the referendum would require.
The Liberal Democrats have brought forward proposals for the biggest change in the political process for over 100 years and they have done so in the open and not behind closed doors. — Allan Petrie, Dundee Liberal Democrats.
Noise annoys
I also have an issue with smoking outside of pubs. Not with the smell of smoke, but the noise smokers make.
It can go on all night, shouting, laughing and swearing till last orders. I’d like to stand outside their houses with several of my friends shouting the odds till yon time to see how they like it. — Reader.
Encourage people to learn more languages
An article in the Evening Telegraph said research shows that a knowledge of other languages slows down the effect of dementia.
For this reason and others it is surprising that such a low percentage of the population of Britain show any interest in other language.
The reason which is all too often given is that languages other than English are “difficult to learn”, but to know whether a language is difficult to learn, it is necessary to make an effort to learn it.
I am interested in all sorts of languages and in the concept of an online course on every language in the world. It will be argued that such courses already exist, but the courses I have in mind would give enough vocabulary and grammar to give students the initiative to conjugate verbs etc.
We should do everything we can to encourage people to learn more languages for a variety of reasons. — John Devlin.
Active parish
As a parishioner of St Clement’s Church, Charleston, for 35 years, I argue that although we may only have an attendance of 120 (which I disagree with, since as in all churches weekly attendance varies) St Clement’s is a very active thriving parish, with numerous activities within/outwith the parish.
We have dedicated parishioners. The numbers may have reduced throughout the years, but total commitment continues. — St. Clement’s Parishoner.
Club fun
My two grandsons have attended Rocky’s Club at Downfield South Church and had a ball. The club is well staffed by volunteers who kept the children entertained. To all the volunteers, a big thank you for your dedication to the children. All children came out happy. — Mrs Irene Watson (Gran).
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