Sir, As a former resident of Auchterarder I was appalled to read of a decision to transfer T in the Park to Strathallan Castle next year.
I well remember the chaos that ensued at the Game Fair when it was held there in 1983 and the Auchterarder district was completely paralysed during that time. The roads are totally unsuitable for this sort of event as without the introduction of a one-way system gridlock will ensue.
You only need one little accident or bump to stop the whole traffic and I remember in 1983 many cars just turned around and went home because there was no point in trying to get to the venue.
This event, too, was over three days. I simply cannot believe that Perth and Kinross Council are contemplating the same sort of chaos.
Cameron Buchanan, MSP for Lothian.
Council has abrogated its responsibility
Sir, Richard Burdge’s article in The Courier concerning the shocking neglect of Crieff’s old Parish Church and graveyard highlights serious problems affecting communities right across Perthshire.
Perth and Kinross Council are quoted as having held public consultation on the matter of grass cutting and ground maintenance.
This appears to have been a somewhat perfunctory process necessitated by the pressure of budget cuts.
With regards to the Crieff Graveyard, the council now claim that they have no obligation to carry out grass cutting as they are not the owners of the ground.
Over the last two decades the council have moved and disposed of more than 100 grave stones, realigned some 30 existing memorials, have erected a memorial to the deceased and planted hedges at the entrance drive.
If that is not the council adopting responsibility for the Church yard then what is?
Perhaps they can inform us who the owner of the Churchyard is and why they have abrogated their established responsibility to the Churchyard and to the people of Crieff?
Colin Mayall. 5a East High Street, Crieff.
‘Bedroom tax’ rent arrears
Sir, Shelter Scotland congratulates Dundee City Council and local housing associations for their pro-active approach in ensuring people get help with their rent arrears caused by the “bedroom tax” as reported earlier this week in The Courier.
We have campaigned long and hard for the abolition of the “bedroom tax” and also for money to be made available by the Scottish Government to enable local authorities to offset the impact of the “tax” through extra discretionary housing payments.
We encourage anyone who needs help with rent arrears as a result of the “bedroom tax” to get in touch with their landlords and urge the council and housing associations to carry on with their positive approach until this unfair “tax” is finally abolished.
Anyone who is facing housing difficulties should contact our local Dundee office on 0808 800 4444 or online at shelterscotland.org
Matt Lock. Hubs Manager for Dundee, Shelter Scotland, 1 Courthouse Square, Dundee.
Sad to report I was wrong
Sir, I was talking this morning to our wonderful street cleaner. He is elderly, not well and has just been told that he is to add another round to his present sphere of operation.
He was also told he had been given a pay rise of 1%. His bosses have been given a rise as well 8%.
I had always thought, whether Labour or SNP, Scotland was at heart a socialist country. It is sad for me to report that I was wrong.
Robert Lightband. Clepington Court, Dundee.
Felt ashamed after TV debate
Sir, Having watched Monday evening’s undignified shouting match and also the BBC Parliament programme over the past few months I quite agree with Billy Connolly’s description: “pretendy wee parliament”.
I was ashamed that my friends and relations down south would think us infantile.
I can recall debates in the Morgan Debating Society at school which actually were debates, with cogent, civilised arguments and rebuttals. They would have put our current crop of Scottish politicians to shame.
John Dorward. 89 Brechin Road, Arbroath.
Sterling Zone already exists
Sir, The Sterling Zone already exists Jersey, Guernsey and The Isle of Man use the pound but are outside the UK, not only that, they are outside the EU too! If there is a very marginal “yes” victory then negotiations may be an evolved independence similar to that of Canada, Australia and New Zealand for Scotland.
In all cases it is common sense that there will be a Sterling Zone which includes a sovereign independent Scotland. Also, did the dominions not belong to sterling at one time too?
Graham Young. 37 Polepark Road, Dundee.