The Courier’s week ends with discussions of the pros and cons of a biomass plant in Dundee, work on Perth’s South Inch and a call to restrict bankers’ bonuses.
Must we die for biomass jobs boost? Sir,-In response to your article Bid to reduce air pollution backed (January 12) it was interesting to read that the UK Government’s panel of independent experts estimates that as many as 200,000 people die prematurely from exposure to air pollutants.
The experts quote that there is mounting evidence to support what is already known that these pollutants play a major part in asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes.
With Dundee’s Dock Street being highlighted in a recent report from SEPA, in relation to the construction of the proposed biomass incinerator, as having one of the poorest local air qualities, I still find it astonishing that Scotland’s health secretary and our local MSP, Shona Robison, is still undecided in her opinion as to the “benefits” of this incinerator.
Along with the greatly increased HGV traffic trundling though our streets bringing its “locally” sourced biofuel to feed this privately-owned cash machine, this incinerator will also spew its poisonous gunk of nitrogen dioxide particles across our city.
How can Ms Robison sit on the fence any longer?
The evidence is there in black and white against this incinerator being located anywhere near a built-up area, let alone Dundee city centre.
Yes, Dundee would benefit from the 40 or so jobs which may be created, but do we need to die for them?
Ian Milne.Netherton of Craigie,Craigiebarn Road,Dundee.
City pollution health danger
Sir,-It is with interest that I read (January 12) that Dundee City Council is welcoming measures to reduce the levels of the harmful pollutants, nitrogen dioxide and particulates, in the city, particularly in “hotspot” areas and that they recognise that Dundee has an air pollution problem.
It makes me wonder why our MP Stewart Hosie is so keen to allow a biomass power station to be built in one of these “hotspot” areas.
A power station which will emit nitrogen dioxide and particulates, creating an even bigger health problem for the people living in Dundee. Does he not care about the health of the people he is supposed to represent?
Laura McLean. 7 Primrose Bank,Dundee.
Inch plan short of practicality
Sir,-I noted (January 12) that Perth and Kinross Council are trying to attract private businesses to create a new attraction on the ground between the bowling green and the existing boating pond on Perth’s South Inch.
Does the council know what goes on after hours on the South Inch? Fences get torn down, bottles smashed and litter thrown all over the place.
It will just be a matter of time before the improvements that have been made to the existing boating pond are vandalised.
The council have put new gates on the bowling green but that does not stop the drinking fraternity getting in and smashing bottles.
Many people who have dogs are afraid to go down to the South Inch at night, especially women.
I know the council are trying to improve the area but I think all will be a waste of money.
I do not know where the council get all their ideas from. They want to build a cycle bridge over the Tay and want to encourage more cycling.
I live in the town and most people cycle on the pavement. I reported this to the police and was told that they are safer on the pavement than the road.
Len Martin.17 King Street,Perth.
Bonus anger won’t disappear
Sir,-How important is the control of bankers’ bonuses to national economic recovery? I would say it is vital.
Those at the top of businesses and those involved in day-to-day operations have to be seen to make the same sacrifices as the rest of us.
Labour leader Ed Miliband has made a hesitant start to his period in office. But he deserves support for his plea to extend the tax on the bonuses (January 11).
This need not be seen as an attack on enterprise. It is a means to help get public consent for the harsh measures necessary to get the deficit down. The coalition could stand or fall on whether it gets that consent over the coming 18 months.
Most people supported the bail-out of the banks because the alternative their collapse along with economic meltdown was too much to contemplate.
The last government had to accept some of the responsibility for the situation that arose but the bankers have to accept most of the responsibility.
They must now get the banks back to profitability, repay taxpayers and restore their reputation.
That will never recover while bonuses continue to irritate the public.
Bob Taylor.24 Shiel Court,Glenrothes.
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.