We close the Courier letters week with correspondence discussing the V&A plans in Dundee, Carnoustie High Street, the A92 in Angus, parking plans in Perth, and treatment of prisoners.
V&A should prompt waterfront rethink
Sir,-I have no doubt the V&A at Dundee will do what it says on the tin but the choice now is between something good and something excellent.
Excellence depends on the new building relating to the rest of the new waterfront. The layout appearing in aerial illustrations of the proposed waterfront was devised before the V&A became part of the scheme. Surely it is now time to review this?
The impact of the V&A can either be enhanced or diminished by its surroundings. That means looking not just in from the river but also out from the city. Currently, the waterfront proposals show a central area of open space bounded by Crichton Street and Castle Street.
Visually, what would this add up to? Looking towards the town, a viewer would see nothing more than the bland rear of the Caird Hall. Turning to the river, the V&A would be off to the right, obscured by high buildings.
Adjust the alignment of the open space so that it runs diagonally (north-south) across the waterfront from Shore Terrace to Craig Harbour and all that changes.
An onlooker at the foot of Castle Street will have an uninterrupted view of the V&A and Discovery, while in the opposite direction, the vista should frame the spire of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Every photograph, every visual aspect of the V&A, from whatever angle, will become a global image of Dundee for generations. It is important to make sure that as many of these opportunities as possible are created.
Neale Elder.9 Kinnaird Bank,Perth.
Carnoustie’s central decline
Sir,-Once again, I read with dismay Angus Council planning department’s decision to allow yet another takeaway on Carnoustie High Street.
We have no choice of shops here and the council appears to be completely out of touch with the situation on Carnoustie High Street.
Surely there is a department within the council that could try to encourage other types of retailers for the benefit of the town and visitors and also for older people who cannot travel to Dundee of Arbroath.
Kenneth T. Soutar.1b Dalhousie Street,Carnoustie.
Putting A92 safety first
Sir,-I was surprised to read Mr Dorward’s letter (November 10) about the road improvements now approved on the A92 Arbroath to Montrose Big Tree bends near Inverkeilor.
To say there is nothing wrong with the current road is ludicrous. There has been a history of accidents at this location for decades, four fatalities in the last 18 months and many others of varying degrees of seriousness.
Accidents resulting in a fatality need not necessarily be directly due to high speed or serious collision but often by ill chance.
How do you measure the cost of agricultural land against the cost of human life?
Few will argue that the dualling of the A92 between Arbroath and Dundee has not made for a quicker and safer journey and the improvements northward are an extension of that principle.
(Cllr) R. R. Spink.Arbroath East and Lunan,Angus Council.
Charges are anti-business
Sir,-The report (November 10) that Perth and Kinross Council are going to have parking wardens on the streets seven days of the week until 8pm demonstrates how far out of touch Perth’s councillors are.
There are empty parking spaces in every street and empty shops everywhere in Perth. If supermarkets want to increase sales they offer discounts, not higher prices. Other cities have no parking charges on a Saturday afternoon and Sunday to encourage shoppers.
The council should encourage shoppers to visit Perth, not drive them away. The council do not understand that businesses need shoppers’ money to survive.
Little wonder that there are hardly any privately-owned businesses left in the centre of Perth.
Perhaps the council could publicise how much they earn from parking charges and fines and how much it costs to employ wardens?
No doubt Perth’s next round charges will include Sunday parking and it will soon be the case that people will need to pay for parking to attend the kirk.
Robin Valentine.3 Burnbank,Bridge of Earn.
Complaint is criminal
Sir,-I was shocked to read (November 10) about the rapist who is complaining about the conditions he has been experiencing in prison and is being allowed to sue for damages.
Criminals should be told that prison is not a holiday camp and if they break the law then they must accept the consequences.
(Mrs) June Reid.12 Findhorn Street,Fintry,Dundee.
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.