Tag: letters

Letter: Individualism

Dear Editor

In some respects we are all individuals; we like to feel and think we are in command, but a quick look at reality shows how dependent we are on others. We cannot exist in modern times as an individual.

We need those who work in the electricity industry, the gas works, water pumping stations and sewerage systems – that is before we step outside the door!

Then there are the transport workers, road and highway workers, distribution workers for all kinds of goods, papers, petrol, etc – and this is all before we get to work!

At work the same reliance takes place: we are individuals but must work collectively.

This is why the policy of the Conservative Party is so wrong and destructive. They believe that individualism should motivate people, but that can only apply to those that have the means to do so.

It is an outdated idea being used by the Conservatives today; it can be seen in their wholesale destruction or privatisation of public services that have been built up over many decades to match the growing realisation that collectively things can be done that as an individual would be impossible.

From any angle the Conservatives are backward thinkers; they either cannot see it or they are just intent on setting back the clock to the ‘good old days’ when workers knew their place in the world, and were grateful to the employers in letting them live.

A Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Letter – kind Pilton kids help poor Roman feel at home

Dear Editor

It seems we are always reading stories about our local children behaving badly, and I am not unaware of the social problems that do exist in West Pilton, but I thought for once it would be nice to hear praise for our local kids, hence my writing to you.

I have lived in West Pilton for nearly 20 years now. I’m fairly well known to a lot of the neighbourhood kids, because I have always had dogs and am out in the park with them every day. I sometimes also have pink hair, which the bairns seem to appreciate! I have never, ever had any problems with any of the local kids, but recently I have come to appreciate them all the more.

I have two dogs of my own, and I have recently started fostering dogs for various charities based abroad. My most recent foster (probable adoptee!) has come from Romania, and he is just plain terrified of everything, but so very gentle, showing no signs of aggression at all. In the week and a half I have had him he has really gained confidence in the house, but outside is a very scary place for him. He is scared of traffic, not sure about other dogs, but mostly it is people that terrify him. One can only imagine what he has gone through to become so traumatised.

I’ve been taking him out for three daily walks though, as he needs to overcome his fears to become a truly happy guy. We meet a lot of children when out for our walks and many ask if they can pet my dogs, and usually this presents no problems. With Roman it is different. He is so scared, he flattens himself to the ground and trembles all over. But when I tell his story to the children we meet, and explain that he is so scared because people have been very mean to him and that he expects to get hurt; but that he is gentle and will respond to love and a soft hand stroking him. I can honestly say that without exception, the kids have been interested, saddened and willing to help, being very quiet, respectful and sweet to him.

I just know the more people we meet who can be this kind to him, it will not be long before he is a happy, bouncy, playful dog who will have learned to love life, maybe for the first time ever. So I want to thank all the kids who we have met, and all those we are yet to meet. And their parents, who have clearly taught them to be kind and loving to animals. Hopefully one day soon you will meet us in the park, and Roman will have the confidence to come up to you and thank you himself!

Jenni (by email)

Letter: Muirhouse must not be divided

Dear Editor N.E.N

I am writing regarding the residents of Silverknowes Eastway who want the walk-way shut off to stop access from Muirhouse Drive.
Silverknowes Eastway is part of the Muirhouse EH4 area and the housing was built on the land that was formally Silverknowes Primary School which was in Muirhouse Gardens. When the area in Muirhouse Gardens was developed for housing it was part of the planning application that it would have pedestrian access to the Linear Park as part of Central Muirhouse regeneration, and that no part of Muirhouse would be divided or excluded.
I fail to see what Davidson Mains and Silverknowes Association or Almond have to do with issues in Muirhouse.
John Davidson
Resident of Muirhouse (by email)

Letter: Building barriers is not the answer

Dear Editor

I am writing  express my anger regarding the proposal from residents of Silverknowes asking to brick up three access points leading to Muirhouse following incidents of antisocial behaviour being blamed on Muirhouse residents. While I disagree with vandalism and antisocial behaviour, blocking pathways will not be the solution to this problem. This could have the adverse effect on the problem. Unfortunately lots of this behaviour is happening all over the city.

I recall this same group opposing the building of the new Craigroyston High School close to their homes . What do these people want? A Berlin Wall within North Edinburgh? They are not an elitist group who can dictate what they want.  The majority of people from Muirhouse are decent people who strive to improve their community and retain good links with surrounding neighbourhoods. Perhaps the answer is getting activists groups together within the neighbourhood to consult with each other . This could hopefully help to resolve the problem. Building barriers between communities is not the answer.

Anna Hutchison (by email)

SILVERKNOWES EASTWAY ‘barriers not the answer’

Letter: Calling all crafters!

To all the crafters in North Edinburgh:

I’m a local resident and enjoy crafting. Crafting can be a really satisfying but lonely hobby at times – I run a small craft club as part of my volunteering at Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre on a Friday from 11am-3pm.   It’s the type of club that you can bring your own crafting to do at your own pace over a cup of tea and chatting to others – it’s friendly, welcoming, informal and fun.   We do have a supply of crafting goodies if you want to just have a go at something and there is always our supply of craft magazines to thumb through to get inspiration and ideas from!
All it costs is £1 – only £1, and that includes the tea/coffee and biscuits!
If you would like any more information why not drop into the Muirhouse Millennium Centre and speak to me, give me a call on 467 3578 or if you prefer email enquiremuirhouse@gmail.com is where I am!
Eileen Carr

Letter: Clever and cunning Tories?

Dear Editor

Cameron has called for further benefit cuts after the next General Election; this would cause more poverty and misery. It seems an incredible call given the widespread opposition to the cuts now happening, but remember he is a Tory politician and they are said to be clever and cunning operators.

Why would he, at this moment, make such a statement? I believe he thinks he can work the odds in the next General Election by giving the Lib Dems political ammunition to oppose the cuts, figuring out the Lib Dems will gain votes – and in doing so leaving the possibility of a Tory/LibDem-dominated hung parliament again.

I think in this case we have to delete the word ‘clever’ and leave ‘cunning’.

Dream on, Cameron!

A Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Letter: Proud parents

Dear Editor

I would be grateful if you can print a piece on my sixteen year old daughter Gillian, of whom we are very proud. She got an ‘A’ exam result for Art and Design and now has a full-time place at Telford College.

I enclose a picture she took on her mobile while in South Queensferry then painted it onto canvas.

P White

Easter Drylaw Avenue

Letter: This is a rubbish service!

Dear Editor

We residents in Granton Crescent sheltered housing are writing to complain about the communal paladin bins not being emptied regularly, and when we phone they say they will put it through as a special uplift – but nothing happens!

Sometimes they are not emptied for at least three weeks and the bin men complain about the rubbish lying around in the bin store which they are having to clean up! The driver said sometimes our pallet bins are not on his list – also we are told that our bins would be emptied by the morning squad and not the afternoon squad.

Furthermore, I have asked for fourteen years for the bin store cupboards to be cleaned, as the stench coming from it is unbearable and is travelling into our kitchens.

M McGhee (and neighbours)

Granton Crescent

Letter: Who Cares?

Dear Editor

So much has been spoken and written about Care; whether in hospital, at home or care home. In the light of investigations and inquiries and some awful revelations there seems to be an agreement that a huge problem exists, and with an ageing population it is a growing one which must be tackled now. Good caring, in all it’s forms, cannot be done on the cheap.

Inadequate funding and gross under-staffing for the work needed is the reality: the exiting staff with best possible intentions cannot give the time and care,both physically and, in particular, the mental attention needed by an individual.

No-one knows the future health needs of ourselves or our families but we can make sure there is an excellent National Health Service: fully trained, fully staffed and fully funded, giving caring care and dignity to our loved ones in their time of need.

A Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Letter: Focus needed on 'mid-market rent' housing

Dear Editor

I write in response to the survey by Shelter Scotland showing that one in five young couples have delayed starting a family due to not being able to get on the property ladder. The charity says this highlights how the lack of safe, affordable social housing is impacting every level of society.

As the property market continues to struggle, many people who once would have thought about buying simply cannot and are being pushed into renting. A soar in the number of ‘reluctant renters’ has pushed rental prices, already renowned for being very high in Edinburgh, beyond reach of many of the city’s key workers.

With the average rent for a two bedroom property in Edinburgh currently at over £700 per month, and over £900 in the city centre, people on modest incomes working in roles such as nursing, teachers and youth and charity work, would find it very difficult to afford a safe and secure tenancy in a modern and well-equipped home.

This is why, in addition to providing more social housing, there now also needs to be a focus on supporting this group through the recently formed ‘mid-market rent’ model. At Port of Leith Housing Association, of the 500 properties we plan to build in the next three years around half of these will be available for this category.

The need for affordable housing is at its most pressing for a generation. The average wait for a social rented home is now counted in years rather than weeks or months and the problem is growing. To deal with the remaining backlog alone, it would take approximately 20 years. These figures may seem an insurmountable task but they only take into account those who are eligible for social housing. We estimate there are thousands in Edinburgh who would benefit from mid-market rent homes.

Pricing people into dilapidated properties will only, in the long run, likely price them out of cities. It also creates a real disparity and does not encourage vibrant, mixed communities that are essential for the ongoing success and wellbeing of communities.

Keith Anderson

Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association

Constitution Street, Edinburgh