Here are some of your views online.
Don't forget you can read more letters and the best in news and sports coverage in the East Fife Mail every week.



East Fife Mail Letters - November 12, 2008

Unlevel field

Sir, – Could someone from Fife Council, Anstruther Community Council or Leven Community Council please explain why people wanting to play football on facilities at Waid Academy, Anstruther have to pay double what people in the Leven area have to pay at Kirkland?
I thought Fife Council and all the political parties were all for equality and social inclusion!
Just the other week I saw a letter in the media saying how great things were in Anstruther with a very vocal community council where as Leven was struggling to have a community council.
Maybe better without a talking body as things seem to be cheaper without it! – Yours, etc.,
ROY McINTOSH
9 Bankwell Road,
Anstruther.

Festive lights

Sir, – With reference to the article `Let There Be Lights' – the issue was wrongly reported in last week's paper.
The article implies that the lights are ready to be switched on, but that is not the case.
Much more work has to be done to the fixings and all the electrical fittings have to be altered.
We are working very hard to have as much prepared as possible but, at present, cannot guarantee a specific time or date for the switch on.
Also Dryburgh Associates is not installing the lights, but has generously donated £100. – Yours, etc.,
LEVEN BUSINESS ASSOC.
LEVEN ENVIRONMENT GROUP
c/o Motorfits,
11 Commercial Road,
Leven.

Police pressure

Sir, – I am very angry at former councillor Joyce Smith's comments last week.
These young policemen and women have to put up with despicable abuse from these intimidating youngsters.
Sometimes have to cancel holidays and days off to deal with court cases involving them – that the offenders often don't turn up for.
What Ms Smith has overlooked is that police officers have a home life just like everybody else.
We all know women fought for the right to vote but this is a new era and dissent is among us all.
I would add that when Ms Smith was a councillor we, the public, had to petition to get our own zebra crossing. – Yours, etc.,
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
(Name and address supplied).

Morning upset

Sir, – A thank you to Mr Lindsay Roy for the early morning wake up call.
After weeks of having propaganda stuffed through my door, it is still deemed necessary to distribute vote Labour leaflets at 6.30 in the morning.
Surely the hope was to catch voters before they left for work, but he did not care to think of those who might consider being disturbed that early, a major upset.
After being awake most of the night caring for my asthmatic and epileptic daughter, both my daughter and I managed to get to sleep around 5am, and enjoyed a full hour and a half's sleep before Mr Roy's rude awakening.
Another point I put to Mr Roy and most who stood in the Glenrothes by-election, is the amount of waste generated by these campaigns.
Why, if everyone cares so much about the environment, did almost every leaflet not come from recycled sources? – Yours, etc.,
disgruntled & tired
Wemyss.
(Name and address supplied)

Reckless stunt

Sir, – I was disgusted to see a political party stooping so low last week that they were canvassing votes outside a Leven primary school.
I have always taught my children to stay away from strangers and not accept gifts or approaches from people they do not know and I was appalled to see representatives from the Labour Party approaching primary one and two children at the school boundaries.
I don't know what the Labour Party thought it might achieve by encouraging children to accept gifts from strangers and causing a rammy of small children beside a busy road.
Surely the safety of our children is more important than a few cheap votes.
I have complained to the head of the education department and I hope I never witness this ill-advised gimmick again.– Yours, etc.,
VictoriA Hunter
Leven.

Canvass costs

Sir, – I am writing this letter before the result of the election is known so there is no hidden agenda behind it.
I was just wondering how much the canvassing for both SNP and Labour has cost?
A small fortune I bet because we have been bombarded for the last couple of months with phone calls, leaflets, knocks on the door and letters with constant regularity.
I was just thinking would the money not have been better spent giving our elderly that require it, free homecare rather than the ridiculous charging that has been imposed firstly by Labour – let's not forget that – but carried on in a different format by the SNP.
Can I also add that that if Labour had not taken this community for granted for years it would not have had to fight for the Glenrothes seat – it would have been a given.
I hope a lesson has been learned, but I doubt it. – Yours, etc.,
LEE McCOMISKIE
(Address supplied)

Clear message

Sir, – The defeat of the SNP at Thursday's by-election was resounding given the predictions of victory which the Nationalists had made from day one.
It is no secret that the Labour victory was very much won on local issues and, in particular, the home care charges which have been loathed by Fifers since they were announced in October last year.
The Campaign Against Charges group was out in force during the course of the by-election campaign holding street stalls throughout the constituency when people were queuing up to sign their petitions and letters to Peter Grant calling for the scrapping of the charges - there were 500 of these.
The group turned up at the SNP launch and forced a meeting with Alex Salmond and went as far as to stand at the polling stations reminding voters who was to blame for the charges.
I think Peter Grant and his party underestimated the mood of ordinary people in regard to the home care charges.
The bills have just begun to drop on the doormats of disabled and older people – ranging from £11 to £107 per week and people have been prepared to speak out against these.
During the campaign the SNP was forced to go on the defensive denying information made available by the CAC group at hustings about the nature and extent of the misery meted out by the charges, but clearly the experiences of disabled people unfolding in the press during the campaign negated the SNP protests.
The SNP has felt the wrath of decent people in the Glenrothes area and it surely must be time for this SNP/Lib Dem council to scrap these invidious charges.
We very much hope that Peter Grant and Tim Brett of the Lib Dems will now show some humility and listen to the people of Fife.
We are not out for blood but we would like to see justice done for the disabled and older people of Fife who are feeling the misery of these charges. – Yours, etc.,
MAUREEN CLOSS
Campaign Against Charges.

Huge slap

Sir, – I am sorry you thought not to print any of the two letters I submitted to you over the last month.
If you had chosen to print any of the two in question you will have concluded I predicted the outcome of last Thursday's by-election.
To reiterate, I said Mr Salmond could fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time, and the Fife folk proved they were not to be fooled for a second time with false promises.
We remember in Fife but never forget, so when the lack of extra police and the myth of smaller class sizes never materialised, we said, "Oh aye, another Walter Mitty."
The SNP said Labour fought a negative campaign – it fought on local issues, because that is what mattered to the people and the fact that the charges causing the heartache was initiated by one of the candidates did not require rocketscience to figure out what was yet to come.
I stood for 15 hours in Methil/Methilhill and I was proud to see the stalwarts turn out to give Lindsay a chance.
I know that the Methilhill School box was 80/20 and I thank you all for making the effort on what was a dreadful night, especially those pushing their zimmers up that hill to exercise their vote.
I think we would have had the same turnout at the other end of the town had the council placed a portable cabin in the valley, but that may have been a tactical move by the leadership not to do that.
All we heard all day was that it was in the bag for the SNP.
Let me tell you Mr First Minister, we Fifers are not that easily fooled. I am sure you were sitting somewhere in the wings waiting for the word so you could sweep in and take the plaudits. It must have been a huge slap across that smirk as you made your way homewards to think again. – Yours, etc.,
RM SCOTT
13 Hawthorn Street,
Methil.

Negative poll

Sir, – While I feel the media made every effort to turn the Glenrothes by-election into some form of circus – the main political parties didn't shy away from performing.
By and large the whinging and gloating that followed the result crowned a campaign that was built more on critcising others than selling the case of what any particular candidate could do for the area.
While the by-election behaviour reflected that of the parties nationally, it did nothing to improvethe public percpetion of politicians.
For such a supposed crucial vote, the insight must surely be that just over 50 per cent of the voters were bothered. – Yours, etc.,
DISILLUSIONED
Methil.
(Name and address supplied)

SNP success

Sir, – I would like to record my thanks to the people of Glenrothes constituency for their record breaking support for the SNP in last week's by-election.
Despite an avalanche of misinformation and negative campaigning from our opponents we got our highest ever vote, up by an astonishing 50 per cent since the last Westminster election in 2005.
This is a tribute to the volunteers who worked so hard for us and who were so generously welcomed by local residents wherever they went.
It is also evidence that people like what we have achieved in Fife during our 18 months in office.
In education we have increased the budget by £25 million, employed more teachers, seen attainment reach its highest ever levels, and embarked on a programme of building new schools without going down the road of privatisation.
We have also increased the social work budget by £25 million, we are providing more home care than Labour did, we are providing free care to 1000 people who had to pay under Labour, we were the first administration ever to clear the backlog of people in hospital waiting for a home care package, and we are replacing every one of our old folk's homes, again without privatising them.
Homelessness is down. Crime is down (Fife had Scotland's biggest reduction in crime last year). Fife Institute is being rebuilt, where Labour's plans might have seen it sold for housing.
It's not surprising that in a recent residents' survey the number of people who thought things had got better during our first year in charge was six times bigger than the number who thought things were getting worse.
Scotland and Fife have moved forward since last May. We'll continue to move forward under the SNP. – Yours, etc.,
Peter Grant
SNP candidate,
Glenrothes.

Key factors

Sir, – I would like to thank all my former constituents who voted Labour in last week's election.
Three factors helped us win. Firstly, Lindsay Roy was an outstanding candidate who will make a wonderful MP. Secondly, the management of Scottish Labour has changed and it organised a superb campaign with a lot of hard work and old style campaigning actually knocking on doors and meeting people. Lindsay also worked tirelessly meeting groups large or small. Finally, the 'Salmond factor'. Indeed I have sent him a card thanking him for visiting so often as it did make floating voters turn to Labour.
I was also delighted that the Lib-Dem partners with SNP on Fife Council came fourth and lost their deposit.
Although this was a Westminster election the voters were giving their verdict on the SNP/Lib Dem Council – the worst administration ever in Fife.
Sarah Brown also impressed a lot of people; she is such a down-to-earth, nice lady. – Yours, etc.,
JOYCE SMITH
(Address supplied)

Interest blow

Sir, – It's truly shocking that the Bank of England has slashed interests rates presaging a fall in the rates paid to savers by the High Street banks.
At a time when these banks are questionably solvent – surely savers investing their hard earned funds in these dodgy enterprises should receive an increased interest rate reflecting the risk involved?
Or does capitalism no longer work like that in Mr Brown's Britain? – Yours, etc.,
John Eoin Douglas
7 Spey Terrace,
Edinburgh.

East Fife Mail Letters - November 5, 2008

Poppy pride

Sir, – What has gone wrong with people's attitudes these days to Remembrance Sunday?
First we have rumours spread that parades have been cancelled, then we have to fill out eight-page application forms to satisfy the bureaucratic boffins, police officers having to waste time checking and then verifying that we have the correct insurance coverage.
Now we have the politically-correct brigade saying it could be offensive to foreign nationals living in this country, so what!
If it wasn't for the sacrifice made by these men and women they would not be free to live in this country, or any other, and our PC brigade would not be able to spout half the rubbish it does.
So turn out for your Remembrance Day parade on Sunday and honour and remember these men and women and, as the slogan says `wear your poppy with pride''. – Yours, etc.,
HUGH NISBET
(Address supplied)

Path problems

Sir, – In the current environment/health-focused age where we are encouraged to walk and leave the car at home, I would like to point out a long-standing local obstacle to this principle.
This concerns a main pedestrian route between the Broom area of Leven and Leven town centre via Broom Road and Waggon Road.
The state of the pavements on Broom Road on both sides between Park Drive and Scoonie House, particularly on the park side, is atrocious and has been such for a number of years.
Occasional attempts to patch up missing areas of tarmacadam over many years have been incomplete and futile due to their temporary nature.
It is sad to say that the safest place to walk is in the road itself (beware traffic!).
Surely the department responsible could prioritise the complete upgrade of these pavements before some pedestrian comes a cropper and lands up in hospital.
An additional help would be a pedestrian crossing over Windygates Road at the top of Waggon Road. This would complete the route to Leven town centre along with the recent new crossing over Victoria Road. – Yours, etc.,
BROOM RESIDENT
(Name and address supplied)

Secret society

Sir, – I was wakened at around 5.40 on Friday morning by the sound of heavy transport.
I was drawn to the window thinking I'd left it open the noise was so loud.
I saw a stationary light in the sky above Levenmouth with a beam directed downwards.
I sussed that it was a very large helicopter and telephoned the non-emergency police number to be told it was a helicopter but she could not comment on what it was doing or why it was there.
The machine seemed to hang in place for 10 to 15 minutes then flew around the area for another 10 minutes in a circle before flying off.
Question: do we, the public, not have a right to be told what is going on?
Was it it to do with the elections? Was it a police search (which it subsequently proved to be)?
Why had the police no prepared explanation for the public?
Surely we have a right to know what is going on over our heads?– Yours, etc.,
CM
Concerned Citizen.
(Name and address supplied)

Crime concern

Sir, – The increase in crimes of violence in Levenmouth in recent months is very worrying indeed.
What upsets me is that Chief Inspector Andy Morris would have you believe crime had fallen and everything was well.
Who is he trying to kid?
As long as we have young people out of their minds with drugs we will have problems.
On a happier note can I pay tribute to the workers who are re-roofing the houses in this area, mine included, who work extremely hard?
It is many a year since I have seen men who worked in inclement weather, eg wind and rain.
They were upon roofs working with very little breaks for tea and lunch.
Council workers take note!
Finally, can I appeal to every voter to go and vote tomorrow. Remember women gave their lives for the right to vote. – Yours, etc.,
JOYCE SMITH
4 Lime Grove,
Methil.

Wind windfall

Sir, – I was interested to read the views of the opponents to the Methil wind turbine regarding the offer of two turbines at the top of Leven.
One contributor even advised the organisation of a petition to block the plan before it has even been fully discussed.
From what I gather, the two turbines are a lot smaller than the one planned for Methil and the people of Leven would have to make the case for the turbines to be positioned here.
While I have a certain degree of sympathy for the residents in Methil who do appear to have got a raw deal – especially over the distance from residential properties – the 'offer' for Leven is an entirely different project, and may bring some cash into the community with no strings attached.
It may be that the plan is not acceptable but, until we have all the details, the pluses and the minuses, to simply rule it out of hand would show a definite lack of open-mindedness. – Yours, etc.,
TA
Mountfleurie.
(Name and address supplied)

Hunger horror

Sir, – Oxfam's recent appeal on the World Food Crisis highlights how rising food prices are hitting the world's poorest people hardest and first.
Around 24,000 people are dying of hunger-related causes every day and, according to the World Bank, 119 million more throughout the world are being pushed into hunger.
We need an extra £15 million to assist those most in need, and I would like to ask your readers for their support.
The money they give will go towards our international development and humanitarian work on food and agriculture to help meet people's immediate needs for food, cash and water and to campaign for changes to the flawed trade and agriculture policies that have left poor farmers vulnerable.
To make a donation, please go to www.oxfam.org.uk or call 0300 200 1242 or send a cheque to Oxfam World Food Crisis Appeal, 207 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HZ. – Yours, etc.,
JUDITH ROBERTSON
Head of Oxfam in Scotland,
207 Bath Street,
GLASGOW G2 4HZ.

Fife fare

Sir, – Regarding Fife Council's decision not to allow an allotment outside Upper Largo (EFM 29/10/08), I would have thought the local authority would be bending over backwards to help such schemes.
The council is very keen for us all to recycle and promotes its success rate.
Surely then an abundance of gardeners would and could produce organic community crops.
Local produce, grown on our doorstep, would surely help to reduce our carbon footprint.
Unsightly huts is a lame excuse. Come on Fife Council, make some land available! – Yours, etc.,
PUZZLED
Elie.
(Name and address supplied)

Poor politics

Sir, – I hope everyone turns out to vote this Thursday in the Glenrothes by-election.
But I will be surprised if there is a large turnout. I think this has been one of the most negative campaigns this area has ever seen.
Every party just seems to want to knock someone else without giving the voters a positive message.
For healthy politics, it has been a very poor showing. – Yours, etc.,
JS
Den Walk,
Buckhaven.
(Name and address supplied)

East Fife Mail Letters - October 29, 2008

Slow menace

Sir, – I am sick and tired of people flashing their lights to warn other drivers that there is a speed camera on that particular road.
In two days on the Standing Stane road, which is a 60mph road I believe, I was slowed down to between 35-40mph, which is stupid. At the end of the day if you don't speed you will not get caught.
Please have some consideration for other drivers and drive safely by all means, but do not hold up traffic which can equally be just as dangerous with some drivers getting frustrated and doing something stupid. – Yours, etc.,
LINDA McCUTCHEON
(Address supplied)
Via e-mail

Bus campaign

Sir, – I would like to make an appeal through your paper to every family who has had a child injured, or tragically killed leaving school transport to have the courage to contact me.
Figures for this type of accident are impossible to find.
It is treated as a pedestrian accident, which it is not. This is happening UK wide.
In Aberdeenshire two children were tragically killed a matter of weeks ago, one in Fife in 2006 and another in Wales.
My own grand daughter was left wheelchair bound & severely injured in 2004.
We know there are others, but we need to find them.
Accurate figures are required to help us progress a campaign for safer and highly visible school transport with an intention of a law to simply ensure vehicles stop when a coach is loading or unloading.
Please contact me at the address below. You could help save future lives. – Yours, etc.,
RON BEATY
15 Craigen Terrace,
Gardenstown,
Aberdeenshire AB45 3ZH.

Changed times

Sir, – After reading the article "Zero tolerance over bonfire bother" (EFM 22/10/08) it started me reminiscing on life when I was a lad in the 50s and 60s.
We would spend weeks before Guy Fawkes collecting wood, old three piece suites, paper, cardboard and anything else that would burn.
We would hide it all and, a day or two before the 5th of November, we would bring it out and build our bonfire, complete with the Guy on top, sitting on an old easy chair.
We had to guard it at all times as boys from other areas were liable to pinch fuel from our hard earned bonfire, as we would do to them given half a chance.
When the big night arrived and we lit the bonfire all the neighbours would be out to see the spectacle.
We were carrying on a tradition enjoyed by our fathers, grandfathers and their fathers before them.
It all ended years ago when my son came home upset that the fire brigade had arrived and turned the hoses on their bonfire – a wet end to a tradition that everyone who was young back then remembers with a smile.
And civilisation survived...
We managed not to burn down Methilhill (which might not please some) or anywhere else that I know of.
I can't remember losing any friends either, but I might be wrong. By the tone of your article, it seems if a bonfire is lit anywhere in the area this year, next year the army will be on the streets.
It's nice to reminisce on how safe life was back then.
We carried knives,when we were boys not just pen knives but sheath knives, the bigger the better. No one bothered, no one got stabbed; we used them to make bows and arrows.
Most of us had air guns. How did we manage to survive into adulthood?
In the winter we would make fire cans out of old syrup tins. We would punch holes in it to make a little brazier, fit a wire handle, put a coal fire in it and carry it around the streets. It was great for roasting tatties, no one bothered. Half a dozen or more of us would sit on the street corner with our fire cans, we were invisible, old women weren't afraid of us, they didn't see us – that was a time long ago before old women got mugged.
And when you reached 11 or 12 years old, the fire can was handy for lighting your fags.
It's great to reminisce of a time before political correctness, health and safety, the mind police and think tanks, when common sense and a clip round the ear if you didn't behave was all that was needed. – Yours, etc.,
DM
Methilhill.
(Name and address supplied)

Spare the rod...

Sir, – I refer to the genuine concerns and fears expressed in a number of letters (EFM 22/10/08) in connection with the vicious attack on a pregnant young woman.
The way to cut down on such violent crime is simple: corporal punishment.
Is it effective?
Several years back a 17 year old American on holiday with his parents in Singapore got drunk and went on a damage spree, scoring a number of parked cars with a sharp implement. He was caught by the police, arrested and sentenced to several lashes of a cane rod on his bare buttocks.
Despite his parents' protests the sentence was duly administered. Two years later a journalist traced the lad and interviewed him. He told the journalist that he hadn't broken the law since, nor ever would as the memory of his humiliation and the pain was a sufficient deterrent.
Case proven.
However, I can hear the howls of protest already.
So let me say three things to those liberal thinking so-called do-gooders.
Firstly, you know very little about human nature.
Secondly, humans aren't all that complicated. We are motivated by two major factors a) the pursuit of and experience of pleasure b) the avoidance of pain.
Thirdly, it is liberal "anything goes" thinking that is responsible in good measure for the breakdown in society.
To parents I say this : If you really love your child you will not turn a blind eye to their bad behaviour saying "..my darling child wouldn't do anyone any harm."
Frau Hitler said as much about her darling little Adolf. Wake up. Get real.
You'd be doing your child and society in general a great service on the occasion of your child badly behaving if you confirmed your love and told the child gently but firmly that the discipline you are about to administer is for their benefit. And then carry out your duty.
This may stop your child running with a bad crowd. You may even save the life of your child. No?
"He that spares the rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him."
Those aren't my words. Those words were spoken by Solomon, a King of Israel and regarded by many as the wisest of men. But those words were not of Solomon's own originality. Those are the words of the Holy Spirit.
So, if anyone is inclined to dispute with and/or reject his counsel I suggest they take the matter up with the Most High. – Yours, etc.,
WILL BROOKS
(Address supplied)

Good example

Sir, – I would like to say a massive thank you to Mrs Rogers and her daughter and the staff of Mad Hackers. On Saturday Mrs Rogers and her daughter found my mobile phone and handed it in to Mad Hackers, who then called my home to let me know that they had my phone.
Nowadays it is so easy for people to walk on by, not to bother getting involved, as to help others might be too time consuming.
This is just another instance that goes to prove that the people of Levenmouth are honest and decent. – Yours, etc.,
KEN HAIG
2 Martin Street,
Buckhaven.

Pier eyesore

Sir, – When recently the BBC required a unique East Neuk fishing harbour, as little changed as possible over the last 130 years, for their film of the building of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, they chose the B listed, conserved harbour of Cellardyke. This would not be possible today.
Virtually unchanged since the time of Stevenson, the harbour has been defaced overnight, without consultation, and without planning permission.
In a conservation area in which residents have to fight to double glaze their windows, Fife Council have erected the oversized steel barrier which Mr Martin Dibley of the local community council has correctly described as "unsightly and unwanted". It has indeed "caused an uproar", and when Fife Council does get around to applying to itself for permission to defile this conservation area, Cellardyke Residents Association will stand with Kilrenny and Anstruther Community Council in opposition to this eyesore.
It has apparently been installed to prevent boats launching from the slipway without paying harbour dues, which must be frustrating to our well-regarded harbourmaster who is charged with collecting them.
However, residents report very few boats actually using Cellardyke harbour in this way, so one must question both the cost effectiveness of this solution, and its impact on this historic harbour.
Moreover, there is above the harbour an overgrown grassy slope, once neatly trimmed, now inaccessible to grass cutters under health and safety legislation, according to Fife Council.
It has, above it, a wooden safety barrier, which, oddly enough, has been allowed to fall into disrepair, being broken in at least four places. Repairing this does not seem to be much of a priority, unlike the steel barrier below.
Rather than waiting to award itself permission to keep its incongruous steelwork, the council should remove the barrier as quickly as it erected it, and restore this conservation area to its proper condition. – Yours, etc.,
GLENN JONES
Secretary,
Cellardyke Residents Association.

Two rules

Sir, – I write with great annoyance as a resident of Levenmouth.
I made my protestations regarding the 81-metre high wind turbine being built on Methil No 3 Dock.
I, along with over 320 other residents, was ignored by the entire planning committee and the four councillors sitting on the planning committee.
I live well within the 500m buffer zone that the 81m turbine will occupy, as do many other residents of Lower Methil, Methil and Aberhill.
The 500m buffer zone will apply to the proposed two turbines that may achieve planning permission in the coming months. Why, can I ask, that the same consideration was not given to the residents that will be affected by the turbine at Methil?
Is it because there will be "Sweeteners" (whatever that means) or that £100,00 will be ploughed back into the community or because the residents of Lower Methil, Methil and Aberhill do not have the same equal rights as other residents of Levenmouth?
Surely it is inequal to apply one set of criteria to the land behind Diagio for two turbines with a 500m buffer zone, whilst at the same time imposing the 81m high turbine within 230 yards of residential property and a children's nursery.
If the residents have the same equal rights then the turbine at Methil must be stopped until a public enquiry can take place.
I will follow carefully any involvement of the local councillors, MPs and MSPs.
I as an individual, along with over 320 other residents, have been let down by the councillors and elected representatives who ignored our concerns and granted planning consent.
I hope the candidates in the forthcoming Glenrothes by-election take time to consider the residents' views regarding this. – Yours, etc.,
JANET KEWLEY-ADAM
(Address supplied)

Bought off

Sir, – With the news of the two (proposed) large wind-turbines to be erected behind Diageo in Leven, Aberhill residents are looking forward to hearing how Councillor David Alexander will spin that one.
When fellow residents complain to him about the dangers of living within 2km of such monstrosities, will he be able to use the argument that "profits will be ploughed straight back into the local community" (unlike Aberhill)?
The Statute, providing a 2km buffer-zone, was meant for the protection of residents from monstrous turbines. So why did he and his committee deny it for us? And will he find a way to use it for his community?
Will the people around CastleFleurie / Mountfleurie welcome what is being threatened in their backyard?
Being bought off for £100,00 a year might not seem such a good deal when set alongside their health and safety. – Yours, etc.,
Isobel G Drummond
(Address supplied)

Public reponse

Sir, – With reference to Jim Braid's attack on the Leven community (EFM 22/10/08) there was an article the Mail (EFM 24/09/08) about new community project meetings.
I tried in vain to get information on these. I phoned the police numbers given twice but no-one knew anything about such meetings. A friend mailed the e-mail address given, but there was still no information.
As a resident of Anderson Court I am interested in such meetings as I have witnessed more than my fair share of anti social behaviour living here.
The police are doing their utmost to sort this matter out as are Bield Housing.
I see from this week's edition (EFM 22/10/08) meetings are to be held in Adam Smith College on Wednesday, November 5 at 7pm.
I should think this information would see a large group attending such meetings.
Jim Braid has no right to attack the Leven community and tell us to get off our backsides. – Yours, etc.,
ELIZ JAMES
Anderson Court,
Leven.


East Fife Mail Letters - October 22, 2008

Parental duty

Sir, – Regarding your story about the attack on the mum-to-be, would the parents of these teenagers please like to explain why they were out at after 12 midnight, or do they not really care?
This young lady who was attacked could have lost her unborn child, have these parents apologised? I don't think so.
This truly is unacceptable for the decent people who live in this area, and have to put up with this loutish behaviour just about every weekend.
It is time these parents were made to be responsible for the actions of their children, name and shame them.
Please withhold my name as I would fear reprisal from some of these people. – Yours, etc.,
RESIDENT 1
(Name and address supplied)

Beyond control

Sir, – I write this on the understanding that you will not give out my name an address because the people involved wouldn't think twice about attacking my family.
While the behaviour of the young people involved in that attack on the pregnant woman is sickening, you have to remember they are even beyond parental control.
Most of the parents probably can't wait until their teenagers leave home and until then they don't care if they roam the streets.
There is no solution to this behaviour because the parents just don't care. – Yours, etc.,
RESIDENT 2
(Name and address supplied).

Curfew needed

Sir, – Regading your front page story last week about the attack on the pregnant woman – it's time to take some action.
In some places in England curfews have been put in place. We should have the same.
If any young troublemakers are caught out after the curfew, round them up, put them in a holding pen and make their parents pay to get them out.
After a couple of times of forking out £100 or £200, maybe these parents might start taking an interest in what their kids are doing.
Please don't publish my name and address.
RESIDENT 3
(Name and address supplied).

No respect

Sir, – The East Fife Mail last week urged residents to go along to the meetings to be held by the police and tell them what the issues are. And then what?
The only difference between the police and the residents who live in fear of these yobs is that the police are better able to take care of themselves. They still get sworn at, spat at and assaulted.
And then what?
The kids are back on the street!
The police hold no fear for these teenagers, they command no respect and they can't solve the situation until they are given some real power.
The pathetic children's hearing and court systems need to start serving the victims first. They are failing our communities.
JS Buckhaven.
(Name and address supplied).

Leven apathy

Sir, – The September meetings of the community council meetings in Leven, Largo and Crail, reported by the EFM (15/10/08) made interesting reading.
What was most interesting was that at the Largo meeting there were 11 attendees, in Crail there were eight and, in Leven, a town bigger than two of them put together, there were six, barely a quorum I would imagine?
This probably highlights more than anything else that there is a great deal of apathy in Leven and it is hardly surprising that the town is in decline.
If the community council members cannot be bothered attending, and the residents of the town cannot be bothered joining the community council, then these people have no right to complain about the town's decline. Thankfully, here in Anstruther, Cellardyke and Kilrenny, we have well attended community council meetings, always with one, sometimes two or even three Fife councillors in attendance, pro-active and enthusiastic members, and good input and support from the public.
The result is a thriving community with tourism numbers on the increase year on year and several new improvement projects in the pipeline.
Time for the good people of Leven to get off their backsides and do something I think. – Yours, etc.,
JIM BRAID
7 Farm Court,
Anstruther.

Turbine poser

Sir, – I read with interest your article about the two wind-turbines proposed for the site behind Diageo.
The sweetener of profits – £100,000 a year – being ploughed back into the community was mentioned. This raised the question of who got what over the Methil deal? The turbine proposed for there will be double the size of the ones going up behind Diageo. So what was the sweetener for that? And who got it?
It certainly was not the good folk of the Methil/Aberhill area and with the speed that Councillor Alexander rushed the proposal through at that meeting of his in June, allowing not a single objector to put a single point to the committee – despite a fellow-councillor protesting that this was wrong – could it perhaps be inferred he was anxious not to see this deal unravelled before his eyes?
We hear about wind-turbine groups up and down the land promising – to communities they are about to blight – the most trivial contributions of children's playgrounds, a floral roundabout or some such item. Trivial by comparison with the rake-off they get in terms of subsidies paid for by each and every one of us in our electricity bills in the first place followed by payments from the National Grid in the second place.
So what was the pay-off for Methil? And who got it?
It certainly wasn't free electricity for the folk of the area to be blighted.
Can we be told?
And if the turbines have, as the EFM puts it, to be placed `at least 500 metres from existing buildings', how come the monster proposed for Methil Dock 3, twice the size, was nodded through by both Fife Planning and the local councillors (out soliciting your votes right now) despite it being within 250 yards of the new Lower Methil nursery, and within 500 yards of hundreds of homes on High Street, Dubbieside and Whyterose Terrace?
Why was there not even a 500-metre buffer-zone for the Methil turbine, let alone the one the Scottish Executive provide in their statutes of 2km? Who saw to that?
Is it true what residents of Methil and Aberhill say: that there seems to be one law for Leven and another for Methil? – Yours, etc.,
GEORGE SMITH
Allen Cottage,
Mitchell Street,
Leven.

Failed duty

Sir, – Those councillors are again using the local press for their benefit over the proposed site for these two wind turbines (EFM 15/10/08).
They will, as usual, sit back and do nothing.
When local constituents go to them, they will hear these words: "I am on the planning committee so I cannot comment."
Well, you people of Leven and Kennoway would be better getting a petition going that will rid this area of these people as they did nothing, yes nothing,to protect the the local people in Lower Methil. They will mislead this application through the planning process.
They will do as they wish and not consider their constituents whom they promised to serve.
Every one to date has failed miserably.
Guidelines that were made by Fife Council and the Scottish Goverment were brushed aside to aid others to make money at our expense.
Get on your phones and ask them for yourselves. – Yours, etc.,
JOHN MILLAR
(Address supplied)

Brown's folly

Sir, – They say never to kick a man when he is down, but Gordon Brown has a lot to answer for in the current financial crisis.
Since ascending to Downing Street with New Labour, his policies in giving full fiscal autonomy to the Bank
of England by releasing government control over the banking Institution, London Stock exchange 'fraudsters' have had a field day and cashed in on the misery of those with modest pensions and investments.
After inheriting a fairly healthy economy, left by a disgraced Tory party, he pursued to bring the tax system up to date by collecting an extra year's tax (mostly from small businesses and the self employed) leaving nothing in reserve for the Treasury, were there to be a national crisis, to collect.
This extra tax was squandered on a sensless war in Iraq, with the result that has now left the Treasury coffers bare.
To add insult to injury our ex-Chancellor and Prime Minister has ordered a rein in on the banking system he set free, as the financial crisis deepens, with more of our hard earned money.
One can only hope that the electorate's often short memory is stirred into action when they realise the price to be paid for Mr Brown's folly, and the world leaders following suit, and think twice before voting for him or New Labour at the next election. – Yours, etc.,
BOB HARPER
63a Pittenweem Road,
Anstruther.

Negative stance

Sir, – I received a 'Free Newspaper' from the Labour Party with 10 stories.
All 10 stories were attacks on an opposition party and not one was about what Labour will do if elected.
I have voted Labour since I was first able to vote over 50 years ago and was drawn to the party on promises to make a real difference to the lives of the everyday person.
It seems as if the party I voted for has forgotten about winning over the public with ideas and is more concerned about bashing the opposition.
I am not – and I suspect like most of your readers – a huge fan of politics or politicians and don't like being bombarded with leaflets, phone calls or visits, but I do want to hear what the proposed candidates stand for and I do vote because it's important to get your voice heard.
I think this is the first time I will consider changing my vote because elections are an opportunity for our politicians to set out their stall. I wait to be convinced. – Yours, etc.,
JIM GILLESPIE
Wellesley Road,
Buckhaven.

Vital roles

Sir, – Two of the candidates in the field to become MP for Glenrothes have temporarily given up very important roles in Fife to campaign. Over the past year and a half Councillor Peter Grant has been an able leader of the SNP/LibDem administration of Fife Council, with Councillor Elizabeth Riches as his equally able Lib Dem deputy. Despite the continuing efforts of Labour councillors to derail and misrepresent practically everything the administration has achieved or proposed, the new administration is replacing decades of inertia with progress on many fronts.
After a long period as a successful head teacher in Inverkeithing, Mr Lindsay Roy was brought in as a `troubleshooter' at Kirkcaldy High School, a role in which he has also been very successful, but which he has abandoned for the period leading up to November 6.
To me it makes no sense at all for Fife to lose either of these people from the vital jobs they do in Fife.
The influence both have on the lives of residents of Fife – in the one case in Kirkcaldy, and in the other across the whole Kingdom – far outweighs any benefits they can bring to us by acting as lobby-fodder in Westminster.
I hope that voters in the widespread constituency known as `Glenrothes' will cast their ballots in the interests of Fife and keep Peter and Lindsay at home! – Yours, etc.,
'FIFE FIRST'
(Name and address supplied)

Inherited debt

Sir, – I am about to break the habit of a lifetime and respond to an anonymous letter (EFM 08/10/08).
The author went back to 1962 to talk of Buckhaven and Methil being bankrupt – apparently by the SNP.
He didn't need to go that far back. Labour did it to Fife 18 months ago.
It left the new coalition with a starting deficit of £1.6 million. It cleaned out our reserves, it gave us a budget that had millions cut from education, and not enough put into social work.
Significantly, it also added an additional £500,000 on to home care income each year, for the succeeding three years.
Labour has never publicly said how it intended to raise that cash but everyone knows had it been elected Labour would have introduced the same Scotland-wide system as the current administration – that's what makes its current attempts to demonise the council so hypocritical. Despite the problems, the new administration stabilised the finances, introduced a council tax freeze for the first time, and has put forward the biggest ever investment in schools, leisure facilities and care homes.
Some £2 million has been set aside for the infrastructure for the Levenmouth rail link and some of our local parks have seen major investment.
So, 1962 is not about to repeat itself, and it's quite encouraging that someone has to go back 46 years to try to score points. I'm not saying whether I was born then or not. – Yours, etc.,
DAVID ALEXANDER (Cllr)
39 Hill Road,
Kennoway.

Child poverty

Sir, – A recently published report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has shown that areas within central Fife have the highest instance of child poverty in the country.
According to the study up to 27 per cent of children are in families on out-of-work benefits.
Last month Mr Brown's Labour government repeated its pledge at its party conference to halve child poverty by 2010.
Mr Brown's government has failed to do anything about this problem for two decades yet it is still promising to solve it in under two years. Unbelievable! Far be it from me to offer the PM advice but I think he would be much better served spending time in these communities listening to people and seeking real solutions rather than grand standing on the world stage proclaiming himself saviour of the global economy.
Mr Brown's government should practice what it preaches – prudence and moral values!
This year the UK government looks set to borrow £70 billion (double last year's total) to deliver on it commitments.
It is incredible that Mr Brown has the cheek to preach about responsible borrowing and spending to the public when he is mortgaging this country to breaking point.
He can be very proud of telling us about a £37 billion bail out for private companies and yet we hear nothing but more empty promises for children living in poverty – a lesson for us all on New Labour values. – Yours, etc.,
ALISTAIR HUNTER
Turpie Road,
Leven.

Inviable policy

Sir, – Are electors aware that a vote for the Scottish National Party is a vote for independence and separation from the United Kingdom?
It is a romantic notion, but we live in the real world.
While small is beautiful, it is not economically viable.
The choice facing Scots is to be part of a small offshore island, or to be part of the world's fourth largest economy.
Alex Salmond refers to the apparent prosperity of Iceland and Ireland as the oft-quoted 'Arc of Prosperity', but Iceland is presently bankrupt and Ireland without EU grants is in recession and struggling for survival.
SNP spokesmen blame the Westminster government for failing to support families coping with the rising cost of living, but fail to mention the winter fuel allowance and child-support benefits which have taken thousands of children out of poverty.
Their vote-winning free school meals policy is in tatters because local councils cannot afford to meet costs out of their own budgets.
This policy has not yet been approved by Fife Council, although Peter Grant has apparently announced that Fife Council has in fact adopted the scheme.
As a tax-paying OAP, I object to subsidising free meals for well-off primary pupils.
The proposed abolition of the council tax is another misplaced policy that will hit working families hard, especially where more than one worker lives in a household.
Putting 3p on top of income tax will make Scotland the most highly taxed part of the UK and will deter inward investment.
Post Offices have been losing millions of pounds each year because people are not using them.
The SNP is fighting to save our POs, yet is not prepared to cover their losses.
The SNP promises to freeze council tax to 2011: this is an empty promise as it cannot forecast the rate of inflation that far ahead nor can it know if it will still be in power.
To meet all the cost of its promises the SNP is demanding a billion pounds from Westminster and Mr Salmond hopes to visit the Arab sheiks of Qatar to finance big projects – by so doing, he will be pawning our family silver as Harold Macmillan used to say.
In a global economy, independence for Scotland is an irrelevance and will put our future destiny and prosperity in danger. – Yours, etc., IVOR GIBSON (Rev)
(Address supplied)

Kindly deed

Sir, – I would like to pass on my thanks to the kind gentleman who rescued my box of shopping from the car park in Lidl, Leven, and handed it in at the store.
He didn't leave his name and I would just like to let him know that I am extremely grateful. – Yours, etc., LOCAL SHOPPER (Name and address supplied)

East Fife Mail Letters - October 15, 2008

Bus worries

Sir, – For the past fortnight I have had the misfortune to travel on the Aberhill Primary School bus with my two children in the morning.
I say 'misfortune' because, to be honest, I am apalled by what goes on aboard this bus and I am sure other school buses are the same.
Almost every day there are children being thrown about on this bus caused by the driver's lack of consideration for the children onboard. They are driving quite fast and braking hard, causing the children to be either thrown forward and banging into the seat in front, or being thrown sideways into the aisles.
Do these drivers have no sense?
Add to that the fact that there is no adult supervisor on these school buses and some very rude and unruly children run wild and the whole service is a joke!
I was also very angry to see that these so called "school buses" have no seat belts fitted and cannot understand the sense in it.
If we as parents were to have our children in our cars with no seatbelts on we would be breaking the law.
So can someone tell me why is it okay to have 20 or more children (bear in mind they are aged between four and 11) on buses with no seatbelts?
My friend and fellow parent actually went to the bus station to complain about this matter and the way the bus drivers drive with our children onboard.
We were basically told it was the parents' responsibility to ensure child safety on the bus, which is all very well apart from the fact that my friend and I are the only adults on board the bus.
I would like to see mandatory seatbelts fitted on puplic transport that is to be used for our children as well as some form of adult supervision on these buses. Surely our children deserve to be safe on the school bus? – Yours, etc.,
ANGRY PARENT
(Name and address supplied)

Insulting views

Sir, – I must take exception to the remarks made by an anonymous writer last week who, whilst not mentioning us by name, unleashed his venom against the Campaign Against Charges Group of which I am a member.
He refers to us as "extreme lefties" and "political opportunists" – there are between 10 and 14 people who regularly attend the CAC meetings and you would have to join us for only one of our meetings to see what a lot of twaddle this person is talking.
As a bunch of people we probably are as diverse as the population in general, ranging from right to left in our political persuasion. What we do all have in common is that we are all disabled people. Our impairments range across the spectrum and we all share an aversion to the unfair and unjust charges which this SNP/Lib Dem administration has reined down on disabled people.
We all pay our council tax which should finance vital services and, we are all capable of thinking for ourselves – anonymous seems to be suggesting that disabled people are being led by the nose because they're incapable of expressing their own views and thoughts – very insulting and a bit disabilist don't you think?
Your anonymous writer asks us to "tell us" what we would do and how we'd fund it.
To answer your question, we would get our priorities in local government right which is to look after people who are in your care not strip them of any small amount of spare cash they have. They need this to fund the extra heating, special diets, specialist equipment and to pay for other care that the your council does not provide and maybe even sometimes to go out and enjoy themselves.
The emphasis being placed right now on capital projects must mean that cash is being diverted from front line services and this is wrong. Disabled and older people are worth more than the way your party is treating them. – Yours, etc.,
OFFENDED
Leven
(Name and address supplied)

Memorial shame

Sir, – I wonder how many of next month's Remembrance Sunday services will be marred for those attending by the state of the war memorial around which they are gathered.
Typically now about 85 years old, many are falling into decay through weathering, structural damage, the effect of traffic or, worst of all, vandalism.
Organisations such as the War Memorials Trust and others should be praised for their efforts in restoration but surely what's needed is a fundamental re-think of how this part of our national heritage should be preserved.
I have some ideas about how this might be achieved.
Let's mark the Centenary of the Armistice, now just 10 years away, with a national collection of pristine, sound (or at the very least, readable) war memorials.
Anyone interested? Please contact me on ray56thompson@tiscali.co.uk – Yours, etc.,
RAY THOMPSON
(Name and address supplied)

Electoral folly
Sir, – Isn't it great to see democracy in action, with candidates from every point of the political spectrum vying for the seat knowing that if they under perform once elected they can be ousted just as quickly?
If only that was the case at local level where the lack of public support for community councils has led to these positions being hijacked by an unelected few who, in some cases, do not even live in the area over which they preside but have taken it upon themselves to remain in office indefinitely.
I agree with Joyce Smith when she says that the multi-member ward system is destroying local accountability.
A good local councillor would know the concerns of his/her constituents through holding regular surgeries and there would be no need to hand over the power of their position to what amounts to a mini-dictatorship. – Yours, etc.,
JOE COCHRANE
62 Springbank,
Kennoway.

Advice poser
Sir, – I am somewhat bemused at the situation facing many of our local authorities which invested in the Icelandic financial sector.
In Scotland, for example, more than £45m of taxpayers' money may be at risk as a result of the banking crisis.
However, earlier this year, a number of international agencies had cut the credit rating of Icelandic banks, and the growing risk of the Icelandic banking system was a situation that had been highlighted in some cases since early 2007.
Warnings were passed on to many local authority financial managers, prompting some of them to stop investing in Iceland.
For example, South Yorkshire police and fire authorities stopped investing in Icelandic banks in June, after a warning from its advisory service.
This therefore raises the question of whether our local authorities were given inappropriate advice, or whether they were given advice which they chose to ignore. – Yours, etc.,
ALEX ORR
Flat 8,
35 Bryson Road,
Edinburgh.

Spinning around
Sir, – I think the return of Peter Mandelson, the architect of New Labour, proves without doubt that Old Labour will never return. Those who were/are prepared to give Gordon Brown one last chance must be bitterly disappointed.
However, the "spin" Mandelson created never left. The "spin" is now more important than the truth.
Unfortunately, we had a prime example of it (EFM 01/10/08) when, for the umpteenth time, Iain Gray, new Labour leader, tried to "spin" the line that care charges in Fife had risen from £4 per week to £11 per hour.
The truth is the method of charging in Fife Council has changed from "net" to "gross less concessions".
It is like comparing apples and oranges. There is no direct comparison but Labour hopes if it repeats it often enough, people will believe it.
Clients will actually contribute to their care costs, depending on the level of their disposable income, no matter the number of hours of care they receive – not quite the £11 per hour story Labour are desperately hoping to "spin".
But the truly outrageous part is – it was the last Labour administration which imposed this change.
So, we have the blatantly hypocritical sight of a Labour leader trying to attack the new administration for a change his own party made.
However, taking it further, if, as Labour claim, the £11 per hour is an attack on the needy, Ian Gray and the rest of his pals have to explain why the equivalent charge in Labour-controlled Glasgow of £16.50 per hour is not.
He has to tell us why £1 per week for alarms in Fife is a disaster when his Labour colleagues in Glasgow charge £3 per week.
He needs to explain why his Labour colleagues in Glasgow charge their clients for food preparation while in Fife, the service is free.
One last point. We are in a Westminster by-election campaign. When is Labour going to talk about Westminster issues, like inflation, the economy, unemployment, house prices, energy costs, and fuel prices? – Yours, etc.,
Cllr DAVID ALEXANDER
39 Hill Road,
Kennoway.

Pure hypocrisy
Sir, – The newsletter from the Fife Elderly Forum has some statistics from the revised social work charging policy.
Between April and August 813 clients were assessed. Of them 567 (70%) will pay nothing. The remaining 246 were deemed eligible to pay, the average contribution being £14 per week.
The benefits check has resulted in 54 clients gaining additional income.
This information flies in the face of the `outrage' that some politicians are trying to create over the new policy.
In fact, the report to the last social work committee estimated that 1000 clients who are currently paying will pay nothing under the new scheme.
When financial systems change you always hear from the losers but rarely from the winners.
Last week, Mr Wright said he had to pay £22 per week but he didn't tell us what his income was. The new system is based on disposable income so we have to assume that his income was, on average, higher than other clients.
The new system is approved by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and operates in every local authority.
In fact, Mr Wright should be aware that if he stayed in Glasgow he would be paying £16.50 per hour. And if he had an alarm he would be paying £3 per week, not the £1 in Fife.
For some politicians to castigate Fife Council for doing what their own party colleagues already do elsewhere, at a higher cost, is bare faced hypocrisy. – Yours, etc.,
OBSERVER
(Name and address supplied).

Grim outlook
Sir – I would like to ask Hamish (Letters 01/10/08) what is New Labour all about?
We went to war because of weapons of mass destruction.
How many years have we been there, plus how many allied troops and civilians have been killed? Years later, still no weapons of mass destruction and no end to the troubles.
Also, Hamish says a vote for the SNP would let the Tories back into power. That's rubbish, and he knows it.
There are only 57 MPs in Scotland. There are hundreds of MPs in England, which means at the next election, whatever party is the most popular in England will form the next UK government.
The Labour government is deeply unpopular at the moment, so it doesn't look good for Gordon Brown. – Yours, etc.,
JAMES WEBSTER
2 Kirkland Gardens,
Methil.

Taxing matter
Sir, – It is now obvious the SNP don't know whether they are coming or going, why do I say this ?
On Saturday Mr Swinney was saying that due to the current economic situation we may have to reverse the freeze on council tax and ask the public to pay more. Then Mr Salmond and Mr Grant were telling the people of Glenrothes that council tax will remain frozen until 2011.
Who is telling the truth and who is vote hunting? I leave you to figure it out.
So what have we got so far, a u- turn on extra police, on classroom sizes, along with many others that are coming to the fore on a daily basis.
We are regressing so fast that within a short time we will be back on the sides of the hills with our faces painted blue and screaming "Freedom!"
There are still lots of surprises still to come. They boast nationalism yet will jump into bed with non-nationalists to hang on to power – so much for their Scottishness.
I think an SNP vote to Westminster will do nothing for our education, security and our welfare, the only way we will improve these important things is to vote for a man that will shout out for them. That man is Lindsay Roy. – Yours, etc.,
RM SCOTT
13 Hawthorn Street,
Methil.

Pointless abuse
Sir, – The SNP has done more to benefit the people of Levenmouth in 17 months than Labour have done in 17 years.
Throwing abuse at them will not change that fact. It only highlights the difference. – Yours, etc.,
PETER McCULLOCH
72 Memorial Road
Methil.



East Fife Mail Letters - October 8, 2008

Gym'll fix it

Sir, – While at Leven leisure pool on September 28, there was a gymnastic event, with youngsters (and parents) from most parts of Scotland.
It was absolutely stunning to see so many parents and youngsters involved in this activity.
It would be only basic justice for this event to be highlighted, wholly disputing recent headlines that taint all youths as being anti-social and of a miscreant nature.
In a fair world, these events warrant sensible headlines rather than some cheap, headline-grabbing story about ONE child allegedly having some vodka in a lemonade bottle.
Furthermore, politicians and councillors keep prattling on about Scots taking part in 2012/2014 events, yet we still have very few real `gyms', there being, of course, plenty of `keep fit as you go' establishments. Well, let's see some action!
(Keep fit establishments actually mistreat the word `gymnasium').
Talking to several parents from Motherwell and other parts of the country, they indicate, like Fife, they have to depend a great deal on school janitors at various schools to set up the equipment in the evenings, then remove for school purposes the next day, so that their children can train.
With an abundance of closed churches, and other possible sites, is there any reason why assets from drug raids, community fines, benefit cheat returns, possibly topped up with cash saved by reducing council bureaucracy, could not be redirected to provide proper training facilities for the youths and encouragement for parents to maintain their application? – Yours, etc.,
BILL LOGIE
East Wemyss
(Address supplied).

Non-political

Sir – I ought to respond to the anonymous writer who misrepresented Concillor Neil Crooks and myself in your Letters page (01/08/10).
Neil Crooks did not tell me Scoonie Golf Course and the Bowling Club are going to close. Cllr Crooks responded to my enquiry as to how SNP Cllr Brian Goodall voted in the matter concerning the land.
Cllr Crooks confirmed what I and many others suspected, namely, the "double-speaking" Cllr Goodall voted to retain the option to sell the land if he so deemed it.
Furthermore, I have no political agenda. I am only interested in seeing that land gifted to the people of Leven is not sold off. Therefore, it is evident to me that anonymous, who accuses certain people as being desperate in trying to score cheap political points, is in fact the desperate one.
So desperate, he doesn't present the facts but resorts to false accusations.
Finally, I'd like to conclude by making one point followed by a question to the desperate one.
He wrote, in connection with the sale of the land "...it is highly unlikely to happen..."
This is an admission that a sale is possible.
Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems as though the desperate one condones such a sell-out.
Therefore, let me ask him this question.
Would he deem it to be justice and honest if politicians snatched his property and sold it off against his will because politicians deemed it to be in the "best interests of the people?" – Yours, etc.,
WILL BROOKS
(Address supplied).

Not sporting

Sir, – Re the replacement sports facility for Kirkcaldy and surrounding area, it looks as though the decision to build a swimming pool on Tolbooth Street has been taken.
I just want to see what more can be done to reverse this crazy, ill-informed decision.
We can highlight the discrepancies or inaccuracies that have influenced the decision for Tolbooth Street, i.e. the weighting system used to choose it, and reference to the questionable huge loss of funds if the project was further delayed. Surely, we should wait and do the right thing regardless?
Additionally, I understand Tolbooth Street is at risk of flooding as our weather becomes more aggressive and unpredictable.
I would like to add weight to the representations made by sports other than swimmers.
I raise the question, is it fair how nearly ALL the £50 million is being invested in swimming. What about other sports?
Additionally, the unfair allocation of funds geographically between Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Glenrothes.
I appreciate the local community representatives have reluctantly accepted this is a done deal, but I would like to continually challenge this publicly, in a high-profile media setting (i.e. public demonstration).
Everything I have read, and the debate with community representatives, highlights Kirkcaldy as the main area of need for sports investment.
Therefore, how can it be that we receive the least investment?
I would like for the public to be made explicitly clear on the opportunity we are missing out on, not just people from Kirkcaldy, but from all of Fife – the option for the whole £50 million to be invested in one mega sports centre (suitably housed in central Fife).
Instead of residents of Fife frequently travelling out of Fife to Dundee, Stirling, Edinburgh, Perth, the Time Capsule etc., we could retain these customers and attract inward investment, bringing people to Fife.
We could encompass an ice rink there too, skate and swim (50m pool and leisure pool), also incorporate the much-needed investment in fitness facilities.
The sports strategy refers to Fife as having a significant shortage - no wonder we have the country's fattest kids.
Fitness facilities generate income, Fife encourages (or allows) the private sector to monopolise the market, charging fees that only those on a significant income can afford -fitness poverty!
Bannatynes has 180 work stations and swimming; they are raking in profits – how about the Fife Leisure Trust facilitate this and generate income?
The whole process needs to stop for a radical rethink.
We should air our views to the national media too, BBC, STV, local radio and newspapers. There should be more pressure to scrutinise the (what seems) prescriptive argument constructed for the Tollbooth Street site.
Is the driving force the Town Centre regeneration? If it is, it is very wrong.
I know the press and others have been lobbying as much as they can and it must feel like `arrgh ... we've said that 100 times and nobody is listening'.
If we can capitalise on the involvement of national media TV, a high-profile public demonstration, highlighting the flaws, misleading reports, who knows – someone may listen?
Surely, there will be more money available somewhere in the future if we have to accept the comparatively less £11 million.
The 2012 Olympics will furnish more public funds? We must have the area to expand for leisure users and sports competitors.
We must fight for them, for our children, for our future.
Give us something worth £50 million. Give us a future. Give us a sporting chance. – Yours, etc.,
METHIL SPORTSMAN
(Name and address supplied).

Cancelled

Sir, – On September 26 we had a person from the social work department come to our house to asses my wife, to see if they would have to increase the amount we were paying.
Having done that, she came up with the result that we would have to pay £11 per hour.
As we have the home help for two hours, this means we have to pay £22.
This is a huge jump in payments as it means we will be paying £1144 per year, now up from £208.
I think this diabolical. They seem to think it is easy money to get from old people on disability allowance.
I have now cancelled my payments. – Yours, etc.,
C. J. WRIGHT
71 Wellesley Road,
Methil.


Chasing votes

Sir, – Is history about to repeat itself?
In 1962, Buckhaven and Methil Burgh was controlled by the SNP and, within two years, the burgh was almost bankrupt.
Are we about to witness it again but on a much larger scale?
Mr Salmond is already finding it difficult to keep up with his pledges on an increase of 1000 policemen. Where are they?
The SNP candidates' team is telling us they are being trained now.
Rubbish. They may be training policemen but it's only to replace those who are on natural wastage, nothing extra.
Class sizes will be reduced, when? Again, they are saying it is in the pipeline.
Rubbish. They do not have the finance nor the classrooms to carry out such a promise. Pure duplicity.
What he has done is shown he will jump into any bed to remain in power, and at any cost.
For example, he has given a Muslim charity £400,000 lately; the charity just happens to be run by the SNP candidate at the next election.
The charity in question was not registered as a charity when the gift was given.
The Scottish Muslim Foundation said charity does not represent its or any other tolerant version of Islam.
The Islamic Foundation has lots of interesting things to say about this charity and not many of the comments are complimentary.
Mr Salmond has to side with people who will guarantee votes; it is the only way he can stay in power, and stay at any cost he must.
The Scottish people will eventually start to think with their heads and not their hearts, and realise this man could set a very dangerous path for our future.
When the election team hits your door, ask pertinent questions. Don't let them dominate your thinking and I guarantee you will catch them out.
That is why I was the only person in the street not to get a visit; they just walked past to the folk next door.
What would that £400,000 have done for some the schools and charities in this area? Let your mind race. – Yours, etc.,
Name and address supplied.

Cancelled

Sir, – On September 26 we had a person from the social work department come to our house to asses my wife, to see if they would have to increase the amount we were paying.
Having done that, she came up with the result that we would have to pay £11 per hour.
As we have the home help for two hours, this means we have to pay £22.
This is a huge jump in payments as it means we will be paying £1144 per year, now up from £208.
I think this diabolical. They seem to think it is easy money to get from old people on disability allowance.
I have now cancelled my payments. – Yours, etc.,
C. J. WRIGHT
71 Wellesley Road,
Methil.

Left behind

Sir, – There are a number of very able and professional groups who look after the interests of elderly and disabled people in Fife.
I would trust them before taking seriously the ramblings of the little group of extreme lefties who are using disabled people for their own political ends.
Would people who genuinely care about elderly and disabled people really try to persuade them not to pay care charges if they could – even just a pound a week? I don't know one person who would.
The noises are coming from the political opportunists, not the professional organisations whose job is to ensure the interests of elderly and disabled people are protected.
That tells me the situation is nothing like as grim as those politicians are shamefully making out.
So, stop scaremongering, and play your politics elsewhere.
In fact, instead of continually abusing others, tell us what you would do and how you would fund it. – Yours, etc.,
Name and address supplied.

Good news

Sir, – I'm not prepared to sit back and watch this rather crude but co-ordinated attack on Peter Grant and the SNP.
As the former chair of the Cameron Support Group, I know good news when I see it.
Levenmouth has an appalling health record. A lifetime of Labour control has actually made the situation worse.
The SNP has attacked this head on. Facilities have been greatly improved, with £4.5 million for Randolph Wemyss and hundreds of thousands spent on improving surgeries, some with new services.
Prescription charges are being reduced, eventually to zero. Levenmouth kids participated in the pilot for free school meals.
There is greater co-ordination between the NHS and Fife Council than ever before. Levenmouth now has a health plan.
This has all happened within 18 months. They've done well. – Yours, etc.,
ALISTAIR SUTTIE
7 Durie Vale, Windygates.

Selective style

Sir, – Hamish from Leven (Letters 01/10/08)must have a highly selective reading style, only registering what he wants to believe, or he would be aware that the programme for a referendum has been clearly laid out for 2010, regardless of who is in power in Westminster.
He also has an obvious problem with simple arithmetic. From 1979 to 2005, Scotland returned a large majority of `Labour' members to London and for 18 years we were stuck with a Tory government.
Now we have had the removal of the 10p tax rate, stealth taxes too many to list, and a financial crisis resulting from 11 years of uncontrolled borrowing, all from the man who claimed to banish `boom and bust', leading the `true, honest voice of Scotland'.
Truth and honesty would suggest Hamish's preference, and that of Labour, is to accept London Tory rule in preference to any shade of Scottish government.
If he wants to find tartan Tories, he need look no further than the member for Kirkcaldy and his predecessor in Downing Street, two of Thatcher's devoted admirers, who hijacked the Labour Party for their own political ambitions. – Yours, etc.,
MARGARET
Methil
(Full name and address supplied).

Money wasted

Sir, – The next time Fife Council says it is short of money, here is the sort of money-wasting that has caused the lack of funds.
There is a row of lock-ups in Springbank behind my home that are earmarked for demolition, to make way for additional on-street parking. Last week, a painter was sent out to undercoat them and I expect they will probably be displaying a nice coat of shiny new paint next week while they await the onset of the bulldozer.
Also, for the last two years, mothers in Springbank have had to walk their children along a busy main road because access to a footpath which was laid years ago is blocked by a six-foot fence.
I noticed in a Community Council minute this fence had reached their notice but the case was just referred to the local area manager.
With the approach of the winter weather and slippery conditions, this access needs to take priority over patting themselves on the back for stopping ship to ship transfers, for the sake of the children's safety. – Yours, etc.,
JOE COCHRANE
62 Springbank, Kennoway.

East Fife Mail Letters - October 1, 2008


True agenda

Sir, – What is the SNP's true agenda?
Not one word on independence. Could it be `wait till a Conservative Government is in power at Westminster before we ask the Scots to vote on a referendum for the break-up of the UK?'
So the choice is vote SNP and get the Tories back in power, or vote Labour, the true honest voice of Scotland, that will send a message to Alex Salmond and Peter Grant, the tartan Tories, to think again. – Yours, etc.,
HAMISH
Leven.
(full name and address supplied).

Desperation

Sir, – Will Brooks last week (Letters, 24/09/08) continued to peddle the myth that Scoonie Golf Club and Bowling Club are going to close.
After all, a Labour councillor, Neil Crooks, told him.
Firstly, believing a Labour councillor in a by-election that is not going well for them is just absurd.
Secondly, let us look at the Labour performance on this issue.
There is a review of council bowling greens and golf courses. That was agreed unanimously by all the parties on the committee, primarily because the subsidy is becoming excessive.
This decision was taken before the announcement of the by-election and included Cllr Crooks. Then the by-election was announced.
Labour, at the next meeting of the committee, then tried to change the terms of reference for the review by excluding the reference to closure, which they agreed to previously.
Does anyone really believe this sudden change of heart was based on a new found love for Scoonie? Or, as we all realise, an opportunity to score some cheap political points?
Closure is only one of a range of six or seven options. It is highly unlikely to happen and the local area committee has already said it would oppose it.
I have to say – the only closures in Levenmouth have been Labour inspired, from council sub-offices to post offices.
We would also have one less library in Levenmouth if the last Labour administration had its way – but the new administration over-turned Labour's plans.
So, people should relax. Resources are now flowing into Levenmouth, not the other way round, which is a change.
As this by-election becomes even more desperate for Labour, don't be surprised if the claims and accusations become even more desperate as well. – Yours, etc.,
Name and address supplied.

Astounded

Sir, – I sat through the social work and health committee a couple of weeks ago and was astounded by the totally disingenuous statements which came out in the report, in regard to the implementation of home care charges.
For example, the council say only 76 people have stopped their community alarm – by their own figures from October '07, this actually amounts to 1031. Similarly, they say only 120 people have dropped their home care service, when the real figure is 1626.
They also say the average home care charge for over-65s is £14 pw and under-65s is £20 pw.
Campaign Against Charges has been in touch with three people under 65 who are paying £25, £47 and £77 a week.
None of them have received the necessary needs assessments as set out by Community Care law.
None of these three people is rich – they are on benefits, which they are paid specifically to meet the extra needs their disabilities bring.
Two have occupational pensions from the jobs they had to take early retirement from because of their conditions, and now the council is stepping in to grab these.
The council also promised people would get benefit checks. For the people mentioned above, this did not happen.
All three have entitlement to extra benefits and it's CAC which is helping with this.
I think we could all respect the officers and politicians more if they were to admit their system, apart from being unjust and illegal, is just not working, and disabled and older people are having to cope with a new household bill at a time when food inflation is running at 13 per cent, energy inflation 50 per cent and general inflation 4.7 per cent.
We at CAC urge people to contact them or their councillor if they are experiencing difficulty on 01592 200597. – Yours, etc.,
RUDI VOGELS
Campaign Against Charges,
1 Barassie Drive, Kirkcaldy.

Hypocrisy

Sir, – It is rank hypocrisy of Peter Grant to use the current economic downturn as a political weapon when he personally is in the process of initiating a savage economic attack on some of Fife's most vulnerable people.
It would be hard to see a party more to the right of New Labour but, when the SNP wins, that is what we get.
The charges for home care are opposed by all except the SNP and their Libdem allies.
His attack upon the working class communities of Fife continues in the current wage negotiations. Here he is, working hand in hand with New Labour through COSLA, to ensure council employees are forced into accepting peanuts for a wage rise.
This at a time of horrendous inflation which is affecting the poorer members of society the most.
Mr Grant, with a household income of, let's say, £54280.21, of taxpayers' money, blames Labour with one face, works with them with another, and laughs all the way to the bank with a third.
Before election day, I shall do my utmost as a socialist to undermine the campaign of the two front runners in this by-election, for they do not have the interests of the needy at heart. – Yours, etc.,
JIM McLEAN
18 Wemysshaven Gardens,
East Wemyss.

Shock tactics

Sir, – The fall in road accidents in the region surely does not suit the bosses at Fife Council's roads department, because they seem hell bent on creating circumstances that will result in motorists crashing.
In the past, we have been confronted with 'nibs' in the Coaltown and, more recently, traffic islands in Kennoway that heavy lorries and buses could not negotiate and which have had to be removed at cost to the ratepayer.
We now have one of the most dangerous of all the council's follies positioned on the Standing Stane Road just before the turn-off at Wellsgreen on the way back from Kirkcaldy.
At night, motorists are being startled by bright lights from a slow down sign which appears from nowhere when a car gets to within feet from it. I was barely doing 50 mph when I got the shock of my life one night.
If the council persists in trying these shock tactics, it must surely need to set these signs for a distance that will not startle motorists and cause collisions. – Yours, etc.,
JOE COCHRANE
62 Springbank, Kennoway.

Care charges

Sir, – I have read about the plight of Billy Montgomery and offer him my support.
I have also read comments from Councillor Tim Brett, giving his word that everyone is receiving needs assessments.
I have to take issue with him on this. I too will be in Billy's situation at some time and am very anxious as to my fate.
I know of many people in Levenmouth who have done the same as me and are still waiting, but, sadly I know of others who have not been aware of their rights and have let them in or filled in the forms which we have all received by post, thereby forfeiting their right to these needs assessments.
It seems to me Cllr Brett is trying to justify a system which is in chaos.
I think he should recall all the bills which have gone out, and if he can't agree the charges should be scrapped, he should ensure the system is started again and done properly in compliance with the law. – Yours, etc.,
NICHOLAS BARBER MBE
Leven (full address supplied).

East Fife Mail Letters - September 24, 2008

Sky highlight

Sir, – Fife Shopmobility Limited attended Leuchars Airshow on Saturday, September 13.
All scooters and wheelchairs provided by the service were used by patrons with mobility difficulties to fully enjoy the event.
On behalf of Shopmobility, I would like to extend thanks and appreciation to RAF Leuchars Airshow management and personnel, St Andrews Local Office, Shopmobility staff and volunteers and to all the cadets whose efforts enabled people to make their way from the car parks to the disabled enclosure.
Our thanks also to the patrons who generously donated a total of £156 on the day. – Yours, etc.,
FRANCOISE MILNE
Fife Shopmobility Co-ordinator.

Rage for rent

Sir, – I am writing to publicise and hopefully shame the unscrupulous landlords trading on naive and desperate students in the town of St Andrews.
My son's had experience of over-inflated rents, properties that are not cleaned from one year to the next and furniture that is unfit for the purpose, probably bought for next to nothing at auction.
The furniture is invariably filthy, damp and stinking of smoke. And yet these landlords, and the rental agents in the town they are in cahoots with, are happy to take a massive deposit and three months' rental in advance.
We are well aware there is a dearth of rental accommodation and the landlord sharks take advantage. It is such a shame when the town is a lovely place to live.
From an outsiders' point of view, it spoils the town's reputation, but there seems to be little inclination on the part of the university or the local council or MP to clean up this abuse. – Yours, etc.,
ANGRY
(Name and address supplied)

Grave concern

Sir, – In 1927, Robert Christie of Durie intended to gift certain parcels of land to the people of Leven.
Included in his gifts was the land which is Scoonie Golf Course. Sadly, Robert died before his gifts were transferred to the people.
However, his relative, Ralph Christie, acted most honourably and saw to it that Robert's will was carried out.
In the burdens contained in the title deeds, Ralph made it most clear that the land was never to be sold and must be retained for recreational purposes only – specifically for golf.
On two occasions, Councillor Brian Goodall has been challenged to confirm that, whatever the outcome of his "review" concerning Scoonie Golf Course happens to be, he will not sell the land.
Instead of giving an unequivocal yes or no, Cllr Goodall tried to obscure his intentions by using political "double-speak." He fooled no-one.
Cllr Neil Crooks has confirmed to me what many of us suspected.
In a recent vote concerning the land, Cllr Goodall and his SNP colleagues voted to keep open the option to sell the land if they so deemed it. This amounts to grave-robbing.
The lesson is clear. If those Nationalists are prepared to rob the dead, they will rob the living. – Yours, etc.,
WILL BROOKS
(Address supplied)

Question time

Sir, – In light of the pending by-election, it may be useful to ask these questions of the candidates.
Do you, as a politician, realise you work for us and not the other way around?
In which case, there is a press report that we (being the UK) are giving Bangladesh £75 million pounds for climate change.
Let me propose that we use this for our own flood defences or on improving hospitals and schools. Even locally, this could fund the rail link between Leven and Thornton, or even retain the local golf courses.
And now there is £5 million pounds in food aid to Afghanistan, which poisons us with heroin, while our pensioners starve.
At which point does common sense enter politics?
As you work for us, can you please stop the spin and the brand `asylum seekers' and call these people what they are – namely `illegal aliens', and spend less time and funds on this to take care of our own?
On almost a daily basis, we hear of troops being killed in action. We get the standard MoD reply, with only name changes, which is totally disrespectful and impersonal to the families. When are we going to take proper care of the injured armed forces personnel?
The spin tries to advise us that immigration is good for the economy – try getting public support for that.
How many cars carrying Polish registration have UK road tax but they use the service of the roads, plus all other public services and child benefit?
The MP's job comes with excellent salary/benefits and holidays, along with first-class subsidised restaurant and bar. If you are unfortunate to be unemployed, the first three days are not paid. Is there an imbalance here?
For Labour who have held power for 10 years – as the Prime Minister and the former First Minister both had local seats, which should have been `sacred cows', what on earth have they done for Fife?
It is not alive with activity or wealth or improving services. – Yours, etc.,
Name and address supplied.


Food for thought

Sir, – I love food and think it's important that we think about what we eat – where it comes from and how it is produced.
Over 900 million animals are reared for food every year – that's a staggering number. If we want them all to enjoy a higher standard of welfare, we all need to do our bit.
September 22-28 is RSPCA Freedom Food Farm Animal Week. The charity wants us all to think more about where our meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products come from and persuade us to choose welfare-friendly products such as those labelled with their Freedom Food logo.
It seems unlikely, but if we all make a few small changes to the way we shop, we'll reward all those great British farmers who are raising their animals to high standards – and encourage more to do the same.
To find out whether you could do more – and how to go about it – visit www.farmanimalfootprint.com and see just how welfare-friendly you are when it comes to what you buy and what you eat. – yours, etc.,
ANTONY WORRALL THOMPSON

Not fair

Sir, – So the Tories are going to make ours a fairer country.
How? By raising the inheritance tax threshold to £1,000,000. Is that a joke? All that will do is to make ours an even more unequal and less fair country in each new generation.
An "aspirational measure", says George Osborne. Aspiration is a strong desire for high achievement, for something above one. Who does not aspire to accumulate assets of more than £1,000,000, whatever the rate of inheritance tax?
To have a fairer country, there must be not only aspiration but also (greater) equality of opportunity.
George Osborne does also call for "equality of opportunity". But where is the equality of opportunity between someone who inherits £1,000,000 and someone who inherits nothing?
"It is no good throwing money at people," he says. Another joke? Tell it to the heirs of the £1,000,000, or of hundreds or thousands of millions. Tell it to those who will inherit nothing.
If the Tories mean what they say about making ours a fairer country, they will have to go back to what Oliver Letwin said in 2005: "We will redistribute wealth" and "empower people".
The only practical way of redistributing wealth - as opposed to income - is to do so at the point of transfer from each generation to the next. – Yours, etc.,
DANE CLOUSTON
Director, Opportunity
PO Box 1148, Oxford OX44 7AT.



East Fife Mail Letters - September 17, 2008

Firing line

Sir, – Chief Inspector Andy Morris was quoted as saying "that is something we just have to deal with" in relation to your article about bricks being thrown at police officers during an operation.
As a serving police constable within Fife Constabulary, can anyone please tell me why we are "expected" to deal with this?
I don't think anyone goes to work and expects to be hit by a brick, unless that person works in a brick factory where the chance may be there, but I'm sure it's a much lower chance than Inspector Morris' officers have.
Fife Police are losing control – it's as simple as that.
In the Levenmouth area alone, I know of numerous officers who have been spat at in the face by confirmed hepatitis sufferers, bitten and assaulted.
Surely, while we still have the chance, we should be coming down harder than ever on anyone who assaults or restricts an officer in the execution of his or her job?
I can guarantee that every single one of your readers will agree with my comments.
We do not expect to be assaulted - we do however, demand support rather than being happily put in a very obvious firing line. – Yours, etc.,
PC JUSTICE
(via e-mail)

Foul actions

Sir, – I would like to say to the the owner of a dog to please stop opening your door and letting your dog walk itself!
Your dog has been fouling on neighbours' grasses and public areas for months, years, and we are getting fed up of it.
I wish I had a camera with me on Wednesday morning at 7.40 as your dog was spotted fouling on a resident's grass area in Linnwood gardens.
If you cannot be a responsible pet owner you should not have pets! – Yours, etc.,
ANGRY
Broom resident.
(Name and address supplied)

Field option

Sir, – I write with reference to the recent article regarding the controversial Leven housing plan re-surfacing.
Do landowners and housing companies never give up?
It states in the article that this is the fourth time this field has been proposed and has been subject to two public enquiries and one hearing already.
Surely the council should not even consider this field for outline planning permission for housing.
I would like to make a suggestion for this field.
I feel the council should approach the owner and look at buying this land from him to be used as a cemetery.
Scoonie cemetery is full and the council cannot, or will not, extend on to a section of the golf course next to it.
Surely this would make much better use of the land than turning it into yet another housing development, ruining this piece of land.
I'm sure residents of Coldstream and along Largo Road would much prefer a well kept cemetery to having new houses popping up under their noses.
If we keep building new houses there will soon be no countryside or green space left. – Yours, etc.,
Annoyed
Methil.
(Name and address supplied)

Rabbit problem

Sir, – My wife is buried in Scoonie Cemetery which is overrun with rabbits most of the year.
I have found it hard to maintain a constant display of flowers at her grave because each night the flowers are being eaten.
In an effort to keep out these rabbits I have been forced to erect a wicker fence around the flowers on my plot.
If Fife Council wants me to remove this wicker fence it will need to find a way to stop these rabbits from entering the cemetery.
Either that or it can pay daily to replace my flowers. – Yours, etc.,
JOE COCHRANE
62 Springbank,
Kennoway.

Poor example

Sir, – When Fife Council decides that someone's garden is in need of a tidy up, it doesn't hesitate to threaten an action plan – ``either tidy up or we will do it and present a bill''.
What a pity the roles can't be reversed when the council doesn't practice what it preaches.
Is it totally blind to the mess developing around the Station Park area and the stairs leading down to the old railway line? Several people have fallen down those rotten wooden steps and someone I know fell down them some time ago breaking her glasses and bruising her face quite badly.
Although she reported it, no action was ever taken and the steps continue to crumble.
Maybe the council will decide to do something when a serious or fatal injury occurs.
How many times do people complain about the `jungle' at the roundabout at Sainsbury's in Leven, yet still it continues to spring up due to our wet climate. Developers know what our climate is like so would it not be a good idea to put in low maintenance plants if they don't have the time or resources to maintain them.
In my opinion, the council should not be threatening people to keep their gardens tidy until it is prepared to lead by example. – Yours, etc.,
AILEEN GRAHAM
44 Station Park,
Lower Largo.

Shoddy service

Sir, – I was appalled on reading that the police were too busy to take statements from the victim of an attack and a parent.
I was not surprised though, because every time we have good community inspectors and sergeants here, they are quickly moved, fostering my disillusion.
I do not believe such misguided actions would have happened during the time of Chief Constables Bennet or Moodie who managed excellent forces.
Of course, that was in the time of Fife Regional Council and the police is not the only service that is going downhill, in my opinion.
In fact, only education appears to be the exception and I think that will be thanks to the work of excellent headteachers and staff – that's certainly the case in our local secondaries.
In contrast, housing repairs, allocations and processing of benefit claims are taking longer and longer.
It is the job of councillors to correct such errors. I wrote before that the ludicrous system of multi-member wards would destroy local accountability. Unfortunately, I have been proven correct and I cannot see a solution until my local area has a visible and locally resident councillor. – Yours, etc.,
JOYCE SMITH
4 Lime Grove,
Methil.

Out of touch

Sir, – The recent energy measures announced by Gordon Brown can best be summed up as too little too late.
After hinting all summer that immediate help was on the way, Gordon Brown has delivered a chilly response to the one million Scots in fuel poverty.
And by failing to impose a windfall tax on energy companies, the Prime Minister has ruled out immediate help for the thousands of Scottish families facing a bleak winter.
The increase in insulation and other fuel efficiency measures are of course welcome in the longer term, but will do nothing to deal with the immediate problem.
Very few households will benefit in time to reduce bills this coming winter and the energy companies have won the battle with the UK government, with Mr Brown even failing to clarify how he will ensure that costs are not passed back to the consumer.
A government with an ounce of sense would impose more measures now, for example ensure a mandatory minimum tariff, real transparency in social tariffs, a speedy roll out of smart meters and introduction of social tariffs into the home fuel market, as well as ensuring that there is immediate help for those facing a tough winter.
Disconnections are rising rapidly, and many on pre-payment meters may self disconnect over the winter as they will be unable to pay escalating costs.
Mr Brown suggests customers cut their bills with direct debit but fails to realise many of the poorest energy users cannot pay their bills in this way, yet again proving he is completely out of touch with the concerns of ordinary Scots. – Yours, etc.,
ALEX ORR
Flat 8,
35 Bryson Road,
Edinburgh.


Path dangers

Sir, – Regarding your article on 'booby traps' on the Coastal Path (EFM 10/09/08), I feel there are great dangers on Fife's network of newly linked up paths (core path network).
It is very attractive to people who own off-road motorcycles and freely use them irresponsibly, mostly young people, who have no other places to enjoy this activity.
Previously many of the paths were either not advertised or had significant obstacles (styles) that rendered them unusable to the off road motorcyclist.
This is now not the case and if an irresponsible motorcyclist wanted to travel from Anstruther to Dunfermline they could. The changes to the paths have opened the flood gates and I wonder if sufficient consultation and risk assessment has been dome to minimise the impact of the inevitable.
Although it is against the law, and irresponsible for motorcyclists to use these paths, this alone will not deter them.
Indeed a "motorway" has been created between the Bing (motocross heaven) at Coaltown of Balgonie and various large towns.
I visited one particular path, where I witnessed an abundance of high risk accident areas.
With a few observations, myself and another discussed strategies and we identified several methods for reducing the risks.
One of my biggest fears is that (as stated in your article); some walkers and legitimate path users are taking the law into their own hands, they have their own strategies to reduce motorcyclists using the paths.
Examples witnessed in the Levenmouth area – barbed wire stretched across the path, nails been hammered through wood and facing upwards etc. Both parties are not considering that a fatality is imminent, as has happened in many other areas.
The policing and current approaches used are not effective long term. I would encourage authorities to further consult with motorcycle users specifically and explore an effective solution.
We have a network of paths for cyclists, walkers, horse riders who enjoy their pastimes. If there was a network of paths, wooded areas, tolerance zones, exclusively for those who enjoy their chosen leisure pursuits/sport of off road driving, (whether that be on four wheels or two wheels) there would be a significant reduction of risk and dangerous illegal incidents.
This would free up police time, allowing them to catch real criminals, as opposed to people wanting to enjoy their pastime. It would also make savings to the treasury, not reporting young people to the Children's Reporter, or adults to the court.
Furthermore, young people allowed to participate in exciting activities would reduce their involvement in youth crime, additionally, with a management system in place, there would be less serious accidents which have significant costs for the NHS. This approach works in other parts of the world, and authorities make money from it. – Yours, etc.,
DP
Methil
(Name and address supplied)

Unfair system

Sir, – I find the Scottish system of selling houses, wherein the estate agent has the sole agency for a house, quite unacceptable.
Houses should be advertised ''free of charge''. Well, we all know nothing is free, so the amount could be added on to the account for the estate agent that sells the house.
Competition is never a bad thing and if one was able to go into any estate agent, give one's house to them for re-sale, they erect a board.
If the householder felt he or she wanted to give it to more agents, then that would be their right... at no cost.
Advertising would be up to the different estate agents, after all they would get it back in the end.
I gave my house to an agent five months ago. The valuation was his and I went by what he said.
I have had just two people around to see it.
I have brought my house down twice in price, but still nothing has happened.
I offered to sell 50 per cent of my house and keep an interest in the remaining 50 per cent for +/-three years or whenever the purchasers within that time felt they could take a mortgage to buy the entire property. Still nothing.
The promises that were made, keeping in contact etc., have left me now wondering if he has gone on a round the world cruise.
I have now taken my house away from this agent, but now if I call in another agent it is costs to me again – for work that may well not be done.
I don't think this is a very fair system.
Bring in an open listing for all people in Scotland to sell their houses by any estate agent, with the estate agent selling then collecting the commission.
This is a fair and competitive way and these agents would get equal opportunities to sell properties, and may the best man or woman win – and the owner of the property would at least be happy. – Yours, etc.,
BERYL KORNER
47 Charles Street,
Pittenweem.

East Fife Mail Letters - September 10, 2008

Ideal candidate

Sir, – At last, after too many years, Labour has seen the light and chosen a candidate worthy of the voters in central Fife (Glenrothes constituency).
Last week Mr Lindsay Roy was selected to fight the corner for the Labour Party in the forthcoming by-election in the Glenrothes/ Levenmouth area.
We have had so many mediocre people in the past who have promised us this and that and none has come up to the mark but, at last, we have a candidate who will give his all for the area and more.
In the field of education Lindsay has, through his hard work and dedication, tried to give the young folk of Fife the chance to progress into life with the best that they deserve.
Lindsay took over at Inverkeithing and it was soon climbing the tables of excellence. On attaining his goal he moved to Kirkcaldy as rector and, again, the school rose up the ladder.
There are misconceptions about Lindsay, rumour has it (probably started by a frightened opposition) that he was parachuted in by Gordon Brown. I can assure you this is not true.
I have never been a great fan of 'Broon' and can say with hand on heart he, Lindsay, is no man's puppet. He knows what the people of this area need, nay demand, and he will give it his all to make sure you will get nothing but his best at all times.
We have a real breath of fresh air being blown into central Fife and I hope the loyal Labour voters of the past give this man the chance we have been waiting for.
I have said for many years there is nothing wrong with the Party it is the people representing it that we should take issue with.
I kid you not when I say mediocrity has gone with this selection it is up to us to give him the chance to prove it. – Yours, etc.,
R. M. SCOTT
Hawthorn Street,
Methil.

Worthy choice

Sir, – I am delighted that Lindsay Roy has been adopted as Labour's candidate to succeed the late John Macdougall.
I have not been so enthusiastic about a candidate for many a year.
After the late JackYuille left Kirkland High School for Lochgelly High, Lindsay was narrowly beaten, by just one vote, to become rector there. The reason was that Glenrothes councillors interviewing him did not want to lose him from Glenwood High.
He will fight tenaciously to assist the disadvantaged young and vulnerable elderly in Levenmouth.
As a postscript to the selection process, I am sure everyone has read of Lindsay's opponents in the competition.
Labour is being knocked very strongly in much of the media. However, none of the other parties appears to have told us