SIR, – Shame on lily-livered Highland councillors for ignoring the wishes of Caithness members and supporting the dubious Gaelic agenda from a troublesome zealot minority over the imposition of bilingual road signs (the Press and Journal, March 7).
Does it not occur to our elected representatives that, to the majority of taxpayers, Gaelic is far down a list of priorities, particularly at this time of uncertainty when it appears that a global financial tsunami is about to strike.
I note that some of the council have patted themselves on the back by holding council tax at last year's bloated levels – some achievement.
At the council, every item on the agenda should be considered: “Is it really necessary.” Every councillor's required aim has to be a reduction of council tax and a scrutiny of every pound spent on all pet schemes and personal agendas by some of the more “eccentric” members.
If some forecasts are correct, it is anticipated that the UK economy is due for a period of deflation and falling house values. Perhaps the elected representatives should allow for an expected reduction in tax income and budget accordingly. If not, then the next election will be payback time.
T. Barron,
65 Manse Road, Nairn.
SIR, – With regards to your story (the Press and Journal, March 8) about the problems of the Aberdeen-Inverness commuter train, as a traveller on said train I would point out that the First ScotRail staff, in particular the young female conductor, were nothing but apologetic for the situation and at no point “barked” at passengers trying to board.
The problem seemed to be the number of commuters who ran towards the train, ignoring the conductor’s advice about overcrowding.
I was dismayed to see the actions of passengers, young and old, fighting to get on to the service which was clearly overcrowded.
It was also explained to passengers that Aberdeen station was aware of the situation of only two carriages for more than an hour before departure and did nothing to arrange spare buses and so on.
To lay the blame on what I felt was an excellent service in the face of problems is grossly unfair.
Graeme Macpherson,
30 Beech Brae,
Elgin.
SIR, – I am amazed at the wisdom, or lack of it, in creating a shopping area, Boots, Currys, B&Q, Sainsbury’s and so on, and the university complex, on the opposite side of the River Dee to one of the largest housing areas in Aberdeen (Kincorth), with the only pedestrian link an extremely narrow footpath along a historic road bridge.
To have pedestrian “passing points” on a major route into the centre of a major city in the year 2008 would be laughable, if there wasn’t a serious danger.
My three young grandchildren have to cross this bridge to go to the shops, school, Girls Brigade visit friends and so on. Their parents do not have a car and I am not always available to take them.
I live in fear of a fatality along this bridge, especially when there is a simple and economically-viable solution. It requires walkways constructed on the outside of the existing bridge walls, thereby not interfering with the historic structures.
Will the incentive begin only with the death of someone?
J.R. Ford,
11 Macdonald Road,
Stonehaven.
SIR, – Your story on fuel prices (the Press and Journal, March 7) gave the price of unleaded and diesel in Fraserburgh as 106p and 112p respectively.
We visited Peterhead on Saturday to find the prices at the local Asda supermarket to be 102.9p and 108.9p. On returning to Fraserburgh, we noted the prices displayed on two forecourts to be 106.9p for unleaded and 115.9p for diesel. You will agree there is a marked difference in price, especially for diesel.
We were very glad when we heard recently that the elected members of Banff and Buchan Area of Aberdeenshire Council had voted unanimously for a new supermarket and filling station to be sited at Watermill.
Unfortunately, the application was turned down by the infrastructures committee, thus discriminating against the motorists of the Fraserburgh area in their ability to gain the benefits of cheaper fuel, as well as rejecting the much-needed job opportunities, especially in light of the uncertain future of Power Jacks.
Alistair and Mary Melville,
46 Main Street,
Broadsea,
Fraserburgh.
SIR, – The Liberal Democrat/SNP council in Aberdeen must surely be the worst one in living memory.
I was incredulous at SNP councillor Kevin Stewart blaming councils back to 1996 for the present cuts. Twelve years ago? Why not blame the pre-war councils as well?
The present incumbents have shown potential tourists that Aberdeen is closed.
Closing the Bon Accord Baths, Doonies Farm and the Linx Ice Arena is an abomination and I think we must all take council assurances that they will reopen with a massive dose of salt.
Incidentally, the Bon Accord Baths could easily be converted to a 50-metre pool and widened at a fraction of the cost of a new pool.
I worked there and know there is potential, but of course our council will no doubt call in consultants to assess the situation as they are fearful of having to make a decision themselves.
Converting the baths is too easy for them to get their heads round.
Regrettably, the demonstration against the cuts will fall on deaf ears. Our councillors are only democrats when it suits them. Roll on the next elections.
Roger Houghton,
15a Victoria Street,
Aberdeen.