The issues at the forefront of our correspondents’ minds today are the Connect2 bridge across the Tay, contrasting views of the Freemasons, senior council officials’ salaries and the spectre of Chernobyl.
More action, less talk on vital Perth bridges
Sir,-With reference to the comment by Charles Wardrop (March 9) about the proposed Connect2 bridge in Perth, I have to agree that the state of the roads after this winter is utterly appalling. Potholes abound everywhere from minor roads to motorways and proper repair work, not patching, must be a priority.
That being said, there is a need for a safe pedestrian/cycle link between Perth and Scone not just Quarrymill avoiding the volume of traffic struggling to use the current two vehicular crossings. This would be a welcome addition to Perth’s many attractions and a start should be made as soon as possible.
One other road scheme that should be prioritised is the northern bypass from north of the Inveralmond roundabout to connect with the A93 and A94. This would virtually remove all through traffic from the centre of Perth.
We have already seen the problems caused by the closure of the Friarton Bridge and can only imagine what would be the result of a closure of either of the two existing bridges.
Both of these developments have been spoken about for too long. It is time for less talk and more action.
Ian Sansom.116 Stormont Road,Scone.
Connect2 not tax drain
Sir,-Recent negative correspondence about the Perth Connect2 bridge needs some correction. A substantial amount of money has already been spent on survey work at the site and this will be wasted if the project is aborted. This would indeed be “squandering taxpayers’ cash.”
Secondly, a very substantial amount of funding for the bridge is coming from outside funding. This money will go elsewhere in the UK if the bridge is not built. This would be a tragedy for Perth.
Thirdly, the bridge is being built for everyone who uses the North Inch, not just for a few cyclists.
Perhaps the correspondents and the dissenting North Inch golfers could consider using it, thereby enjoying a worthwhile amenity, improving their health and reducing their carbon emissions.
Keith Grant.Beechgrove Place,Perth.
Outdated view of Masons
Sir,-Please allow me to respond to the ill-advised ramblings of Tom Minogue on Freemasonry (March 8).
Mr Minogue picked up on John Gove’s example (March 5) of help afforded by local lodges to a fellow Mason and cited this as confirmation that Masons help their brethren in trouble an act which should be applauded and not criticised.
However, how this can be equated to a Freemason appearing in court I cannot fathom and will follow Mr Minogue’s example by dismissing it and moving on.
It is noticeable, however, that Mr Minogue has failed to mention the countless acts of benevolence carried out by the grand lodges, provincial grand lodges and daughter lodges worldwide towards non-Freemasons.
He then describes my assertion that Freemasonry is allegory and mystery and not secrecy as a matter of my opinion. This is not opinion and, if Mr Minogue would care to research further, he will find that there is a generally accepted definition of Freemasonry that states it is exactly as I describe it.
As regards quoting “rules” drawn up in 1723 by Dr James Anderson… Well, let’s just be glad that the Masonic organisation has moved on in the succeeding 288 years, as clearly Mr Minogue’s attitude is stuck back there.
Brian Lawrence.Balgowan Avenue,Dundee.
Trim back on top earners
Sir,-Councillor Elizabeth Riches (March 9) does no favours to herself, her party, nor Fife Council in attempting to defend the obscenely large salaries paid to senior officials. We have heard about the chief executive’s salary and his department but such pay scales will be mirrored in most departments.
I have heard so often the spurious argument that you have to pay these salaries to attract the right people. What nonsense.
Senior officials in local government do not have to sell anything to balance the books as in a commercial organisation. All they have to do is be able to spend money.
All income comes from the taxpayer, like it or not. So if Councillor Riches actually does want to save money she would do well to start at the top.
Andrew Gilmour.Londive,Montrave Home Farm,Leven.
Stalked by nuclear spectre
Sir,-I continue to be amazed by the plethora of correspondents whose arguments against renewable energy get ever more specious.
Rather than go over the latest contribution by Dan Arnott (March 8) point by point, I will simply reiterate that Scotland has the opportunity to provide several times its own energy requirements from renewable sources including wind, hydro, wave, tidal, ocean currents, clean coal and biomass.
This will provide tens of thousands of jobs and put Scots at the forefront of renewable technology with the export and investment benefits that will bring. To bin that for a dependency on a dwindling supply of increasingly expensive foreign uranium would be folly.
Nuclear has enjoyed a resurgence because people have forgotten Chernobyl and the consequences still being felt by the people of the Ukraine and Belarus. The nuclear industry has not, however, and is aware that the Chernobyl plant still has 80% of its nuclear material contained within a concrete jacket that is crumbling.
They know that investment in their industry will disappear when Chernobyl fails again and are desperately trying to get as many plants as possible built before that inevitable catastrophe.
Stuart Allan.8 Nelson StreetDundee.
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.