Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, Isn’t it about time there was less coverage of political conferences on television?
If it is the party in opposition, speaker after speaker induces the yawn factor with promises they can easily give because they are not in power.
The party or parties in government tell us how difficult it is to govern because of the failings of the previous administration, then try to persuade us they are doing a great job.
This is a fallacy when ministers weakly succumb to just about everything that the EU says, let energy companies hammer consumers, and look on when supermarkets raise prices to ridiculous levels.
So cut back conference time on TV.
Ian Wheeler,Springfield.
Lang Toun waited long enough
Sir, It is quite obvious what Councillor Neil Crooks’s game is in the controversy over the Kirkcaldy swimming pool site (October 1). He wants a delay to start of work on the site until after next May’s local elections.
At that point, he no doubt surmises, Labour will have a lot more seats on Fife Council or even (very wishful thinking this) an absolute majority.
It would then cancel any contract to build on the Tolbooth Street site and start the search for a completely new project elsewhere in the town.
This would strain the patience of the public in the Lang Toun.
They have already waited years for a replacement facility. Fife Council could have done more to anticipate the land acquisition problems at Tolbooth Street.
It made an important error at first in tying the contract for that work to the building of a new complex at Viewfield in Glenrothes.
Now that these problems have been sorted out, however, it should be full steam ahead.
Do the public in Kirkcaldy really want another four or five years of arguments about land and finance so that Councillor Crooks and his colleagues can make a political point?
Let the work on Tolbooth Street start in November and let the people of the town get their new leisure facility without further delay.
Bob Taylor.24 Shiel Court,Glenrothes.
Might help save student numbers
Sir, In the furore over the possibility of a merger between Abertay and Dundee universities, I think it should be pointed out the Scottish Government’s position on this has not changed despite claims made by their critics.
Initially, the Government said there would be no forced merger but the opposition claimed there would be. Subsequently, ministers reiterated their stance that there would be no forced merger and the opposition claimed they had U-turned.
I doubt I am the only person to notice this.
People have to realise that the Scottish budget is shrinking while there is a commitment to free education for Scottish students. Savings need to be made to help achieve this.
If student and course numbers can be better protected by merging two universities that exist next door to each other, thereby freeing up resources tied up in separate bureaucracies, then surely this must be looked at.
We live in difficult financial times, therefore difficult decisions have to be made.
Stuart Allan.8 Nelson Street,Dundee.
School would lift Station Park
Sir, The ”local golf fanatic” quoted anonymously (September 30) describes the approach to St Andrews via the A91 as ”iconic”. That is far from being the case.
On approaching the town, the first thing seen to the left of the playing fields is the Old Course Hotel, admittedly more attractive than it was in 1968 but still no architectural masterpiece.
Then we have the gap where the former regional council failed to construct a bridge as promised.
On the right we have a rather attractive tree belt, and further on the unattractive though functional university buildings on the North Haugh campus.
The best things around there are the flower bed and the Gateway Centre.
A well-designed school in Station Park would add to the area’s attraction.
A pedestrian and cycle path would be useful for students, residents and tourists as well as pupils.
(Cllr) D. Macgregor.15 Kinkell Terrace,St Andrews.
Wood for setts from Australia
Sir, I refer to the article on the Dundee setts, as mentioned by Professor Cox. I started work in the timber department of McGregor & Balfour.
I learned that the setts which were in Bank Street and Bell Street were in fact Jarrah, a very dense strong timber from south-west Australia, around the Swan River near Perth.
It was specifically used for road setts and also railway sleepers and is probably the same as the setts in Whitehall Crescent, as it does look like mahogany.
Bradley Borland.Kinfauns,Perth.
What a pity about cuts in spending
Sir, It is nice to know that Fife Council recognises hard work carried out by loyal employees and holds receptions to reward them for their outstanding service (September 30).
Recognition and reward often pay dividends, which benefit everyone.
Such a pity about the cutbacks.
John McDonald.14 Rosebery Court,Kirkcaldy.
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.