Sir, I am slightly amused by the latest developments in the Claypotts saga.
I cannot recall exactly when, but I had a letter on the subject printed in The Courier at the time of the debate about the proposals for a solution to the junction’s problems.
My argument was for the development of the mini-roundabout which existed at that time.
I gave the example of L’Etoile, the roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which has to deal with the confluence of at least 12 roads with continuous heavy traffic, and Hyde Park Corner in London with similar constant traffic flows day and night.
These two roundabouts always coped with traffic hundreds of times the volume of that at Claypotts.
I suggested that the proposed traffic light solution would only attract more sightseeing traffic, with the garish light show drawing tourists away from the Blackpool illuminations to come and admire the constant light show red to amber to green and back.
So, is it any surprise that our new “solution” is having birth pangs?
I would ask the councillors and road engineers to please bite the bullet and build a decent-sized roundabout but with little real hope.
Iain Anderson. Greenbourne House, 76 Hill Street, Monifieth.
Economic and social justice call welcomed
Sir, I could not agree more with the Rev David Robertson’s assertion that to achieve a fairer and more equal society we must “be heavily involved in campaigning about economic and social justice” (Moderator fears more unequal society, November 24).
This is particularly poignant as figures released this week highlight that 51,647 men, women and children in Scotland were forced to use a foodbank in the last six months to sustain themselves.
It was highlighted that a growing proportion used a Scottish foodbank because of “low income”.
The profile is often people in insecure employment or on static incomes in an economic climate where research shows food and fuel prices have risen sharply year on year since 2003.
In such an unfair and unequal environment, calls for economic and social justice from religious leaders could not be more welcome. I hope others will join him.
Ewan Gurr. Scotland Network Manager, The Trussell Trust, Dundee.
Impressed by new-look city
Sir, Not being a regular visitor to Dundee I was extremely impressed by what is happening there on a recent visit on a very dismal day.
A tremendous amount of work has been done and is being done and the city looks very inviting.
We found loads to see and do from the McManus to the city centre shops. It was a real treat. Dundee in the past has had some bad press but I have to say it is very much a city on the up and the people there should be proud of the city.
I am sure there are Dundonians who will take issue on this, as they will have a more intimate knowledge of things than I do, but, from a visitor’s perspective, I will definitely visit more often.
My nearest city is Perth and I have to say Dundee is by far the better, offering far more in the way of entertainment, shops and things to see and do in general.
The city fathers must take some credit for their vision.
Bryan Auchterlonie. Bluebell Cottage, Ardargie.
Forgot House of Lords . . .
Sir, AA Bullions (letters, November 26) in making a very poor case for the Palace of Westminster conveniently forgot to mention the 790 unelected members of the House of Lords in his calculations.
The House of Lords is, of course, the largest unelected chamber anywhere in Europe and even outnumbers the 687 members who sit in the Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea a nation not known for its respectful democratic values.
Before trying to undermine the confidence of the Scottish people in their own parliament, AA Bullions should rethink his whole approach. After next May a huge number of SNP MPs may well decide that the price of their support is the abolition of his beloved House of Lords and the return of real powers to our own parliament. Not before time on both counts !
Douglas Chapman. 38 Pitbauchlie Bank, Dunfermline.
Shows abysmal lack of charity
Sir, Re Dr Cameron’s latest diatribe, scorning Band Aid. For a “man of the cloth” he displays an absolutely abysmal absence of charity. Band Aid may not be the answer but at least they are trying and if they are wrong then at least it’s for the right reasons.
Perhaps if Dr Cameron and his colleagues had done a better job, considering that, collectively, the churches are among the richest organisations on the planet, there would be no need for any charities and their premises would be full to overflowing with worshippers rather than being used as furniture emporia.
G Stewart. Springbank, Clayholes, Carnoustie.