Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – the chair of social work in Fife, Councillor Brett, has suggested it is OK to move residents from council care homes to private homes. That is disgraceful behaviour and should be condemned by all caring councillors and voters.
Mr Brett claims it would only happen after “meeting all standards and with proper discussion” (The Courier, November 10).
He also expresses “concern” over the closure of Netherlea Hospital after playing a part in deciding on it closing.
Clearly, he does not care what misery and disruption that he and his cohorts (including then vice-chair, now MSP, Torrance) inflict on families in other areas. The pretence of caring about Netherlea is only because it is in his area.
Joyce Smith.4 Lime Grove,Methil.
Piazza plan not right for Perth
Sir, – Perth and Kinross Council, evidently hell-bent on destroying Perth City Hall and substituting a Mediterranean-style piazza, have ridden roughshod over very many protests from local people offering constructive suggestions for this listed building’s adaptation.
An integrated tourist and civic and county information centre for locals and visitors, the library for the disabled, farmers’ fresh food markets, with possible leftover space for town centre flats built by local builders, have all been suggestions apparently brushed aside by council officers.
Their madcap scheme for a piazza, even in our climate, would cost, apparently, some £3 million.
The relatively-unused Caird Hall and Usher Hall Squares do not give confidence in the prospect of a popular central Perth square, following a demolition and building process perhaps lasting years and damaging local businesses in the St John and High Streets.
It all recalls the Edinburgh trams fiasco, a bottomless pit of dire events and costs.
Far, far better to preserve and adapt our fine City Hall for useful local functions, especially when city status is being sought again for the “Fair City.”
Isabel and Charles Wardrop.111 Viewlands Rd West, Perth.
Joyous night at the Gardyne
Sir, – Last night I spent a most pleasurable evening at the Gardyne Theatre, enjoying every minute of the first night of Bugsy Malone.
What a night! It exceeded every expectation and was worthy of a London West End Show.
I would like to add a special mention for the musical director, Richard Waghorn, whose performance on the piano was faultless, which leads on to the actual show itself.
Bugsy Malone is first of all a musical and all the solo parts were superb, but so also were the backing singers who just added that depth to the show.
The show just flowed smoothly from the beginning to the end with so many set changes, all credit to the scene shifters who just became invisible.
Thank you Thomson-Leng Youth Music Theatre for presenting such a very enjoyable and very professional show. Will they be bringing out a DVD?
A very happy man.
George D. Gavine.The Veldt,Monikie.
Don’t forget Fifth of November
Sir, – I write in full support of the views expressed by Raymond Mennie (letters, October 27).
He omitted to mention one other popular commemoration November 5.
Now dubbed ‘bonfire night’, as youngsters in the 1940s we used to call it Guy Fawkes Night, named after one of the Catholic conspirators who attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, complete with members and Protestant king still inside.
No doubt this will also be targeted by some over-sensitive SNP minion.
Bannockburn was a spat between two Catholic monarchs. Do Protestants complain about it?
A. T. Geddie.68 Carleton Avenue,Glenrothes.
Death sentence is not appropriate
Sir, – I note the death penalty has not been lifted from C Jay the dog.
Firstly, the JP that ordered this in the first place is obviously not an animal lover.
I totally feel for the cat and the owners involved in this unfortunate incident but then this is nature and animal instinct is heavily involved in what has happened.
For this matter to go as far as an Appeals Court in Edinburgh is unbelievable. I feel that C Jay is being treated most unfairly.
If anything fine the owner and ensure that in future C Jay is kept under control unless out in the open countryside where the dog can run about in freedom as it will require exercise off the lead.
I take it those who have passed this sentence do not watch The Frozen Planet and see all the killing that goes on again, this is nature. Must we then set out to kill all the polar bears, whales, and so on who kill other animals in order to live?
I read in the papers daily about people being attacked by other people. What is the sentence these “people” receive when they are caught? Not a death sentence, but a few years in a cosy jail.
Others attack elderly people for money to feed their drug and drink problem. When caught and found guilty they end up having to carry out only a few hours’ community service.
This is not justice.
It is about time our justice system was completely overhauled to provide punishments to suit the crimes committed.
Linda Fyfe.9 Tayview Road,Liff.
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.