Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir,-I was seething at the BBC2 programme Town, with Nicholas Crane. The town was Perth, which is seeking city status.
From start to end the tone of this programme was dismal and dark.
There was reference to snow, frost and rain and whatever winter can bring.
Also shown were the 1993 floods in North Muirton, the controversy about the city hall, rubbish being recycled and the basement of a pub where James I was supposedly killed.
This was very depressing viewing. Where were the positive aspects, such as: Kinnoull Hill, Perth Show, the museum, entertainment at Scone Palace, the Inches, the Dewars Centre, music festivals, etc.
I’m praying that the city hall is part of our town for a long time to come.
M. Sutherland.47 Strathmore Street,Bridgend,Perth.
Rainfall figures refute Met Office
Sir,-I was surprised by the spokesman for the Met Office suggesting that our summer weather has not been unusual (August 12).
A quick analysis of the rainfall records for the Leuchars weather station from 1960 to 2009 indicates otherwise.
In the decade 2000 to 2009, the average summer rainfall of 270mm (10.6 inches) was between 25% and 30% greater than in the previous three decades.
Only the 1960s had a similar average (260mm). The yearly average rainfall also slightly increased in the decade 2000 to 2009, but most striking is the increase in the proportion of very wet summers.
In the 40 years up to 2000 there were only two years when the summer rainfall exceeded 300mm. From 2000 to 2009, rainfall exceeded 300mm in four summers.
This year it has already exceeded 300mm and could even pass 400mm (16 inches).
Drier summers have also become less frequent.
In the period 1970 to 1999 there was an average of five summers per decade with less than 200mm.
From 2000 to 2009 there were only three summers this dry.
D. Trudgill.Newmill,Blairgowrie.
Store proposal unnecessary
Sir,-I am writing in respect of the proposal for a Sainsbury’s store on Hawkhill, Dundee.
My objections are based upon two key areas.
The first of these is in relation to traffic, parking and access problems.
A new convenience store situated at the proposed site would give rise to an increase in traffic flow on the Hawkhill and Annfield Street.
This increase would be caused by deliveries of goods as well as customers accessing the store.
The proposal outlines a provision for only 10 parking spaces at the store which would force additional customers to park on streets which are already extremely congested.
The proposed store is to be located adjacent to a busy animal hospital and medical centre and an increased traffic presence could cause huge congestion for these services.
Finally, Annfield Road is a very narrow and long, which results in single flow traffic. The opening of a store could cause a backlog in one or both directions.
My second objection is that the planning application is contrary to the Dundee Local Plan Review 2005 and, in particular, policy 45.
This proposed store would fall outwith the designated Perth Road District Shopping Centre (as described in the appendices of Dundee Local Plan Review 2005).
There can be no doubt that this proposed store would prejudice the vitality and viability of Perth Road District Shopping Centre.
Fraser Reid.Fraser’s Fruit & Veg.300a Perth Road,Dundee.
Less well off will pay more
Sir,-Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg says he will drive through a mansion tax, to make up for the revenue lost if the 50% tax rate is rescinded.
I don’t think like a politician but, to me, if the 50% tax does not bring in very much and only succeeds in driving “the rich” abroad, we lose the ordinary tax they pay. This means the poorer people then have to pay higher taxes in the long run.
Iain Taylor.Tigh na Torr,Kellas.
Better to retain Dundee shares
Sir,-After Dundee FC’s dreadful financial problems last season, the club has been saved by supporters who now have a majority shareholding through the supporters’ trust, DFCSS.
DFCSS is now holding a vote to establish whether the members want the trust to retain a majority shareholding, and to insist that any issue of new shares does not leave the trust in a minority.
Voting “yes” will allow cash injections, but supporters will keep a majority of the shares, and control.
If backers want to donate money, that would be great, but if they want to reduce the DFCSS holding to a minority position, I do think we will be giving away something significant.
Once the shares are gone they’ll be away for good. Who knows who will end up owning them?
Will it be some descendant with no interest in the club? An opportunist?
It is much better for DFCSS to keep a majority and drop into a minority position only if there is a genuine need in the future.
Dundee FC has been plagued by short-termism. The approach has always been to go for instant answers. I think we have to give the new regime time.
Supporters have to face the fact that the club has behaved badly in the past, and we need to show that we can be responsible, under supporter ownership.
I hope supporters will back the DFCSS board and vote “yes” to retain a majority.
James Christie.2 Dryburgh Crescent,Perth.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.