Interactive: Worst is over and integrated transport system on its way

Published on Saturday 28 November 2009 10:03

Are you looking forward to the tram line becoming operational, or do you think we will be left with a legacy of reduced services to pay for the project? Get in touch and let us know what you think

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NOW that the tram project utilities diversion work is advancing and infrastructure engineering on Princes Street, Gogar Depot, Edinburgh Park Station and the off-road section of the project are progressing well, it's time to stand back and objectively assess the last two-and-a-half years since the start of the work.

Thousands of metres of pipes and cables have been renewed and moved. With this compounded by the fact the old plans were inaccurate, the contractors have done an excellent job.

Criticism has been intense, particularly those who prefer to hide behind an alias on cyberspace, unfortunately some of a personal nature directed at a member of TIE.

However, the worst appears to be over and in common with other major cities Edinburgh will have an integrated transport system to be proud of.

George Ritchie, North Gyle Terrace, Edinburgh

Invaders from the planet of bonuses

I WAS surprised to see on entering Princes Street yesterday that it had been the subject of an invasion.

An army of yellow-jacketed creatures had emerged, presumably from another world, because they seemed to be engaged in frantic activity. They bore little resemblance to the earthlings who have been demonstrating their native indolence on this site since the early part of this year.

I relaxed when my friend told me that these were in fact the same creatures, spurred on by something called a deadline, perhaps with the alluring whiff of a bonus payment in their nostrils.

But I'll bet you the work still isn't finished this weekend!

R Duke, Dalry Road, Edinburgh

Continuity of care is vitally important

I AM a support worker for adults with learning disabilities, and the care tender and uncertainty over direct payments and rates has been extremely difficult for me, my colleagues, the people I support and their families; those I care for tell me they have been terrified by the threat of a change of provider, and morale is very low amongst my co-workers.

In the ten years I have done this job I have carefully built up trusting relationships with the people I help, and developed an intimate awareness of their needs, uppermost in which is communication, with individuals for whom this is often an enormous challenge.

Continuity of care is hugely important to them; I know them very well, which brings a sense of security, and we have a shared history. I've worked with one client, since the beginning, and last year he developed dementia and severe communication difficulties as a result of a sudden illness. I still know what his favourite foods, films, songs, and clothes are, and how to make him laugh by reminding him of what we did on holiday five years ago. It might not seem much, but I know it means a lot to him.

My service users tell me they want to continue to have support from me, and they want a direct payment to be able decide that for themselves, as is their right. the severely reduced direct payment rates proposed would not allow them to do that. I, myself, do not believe I could continue to do the work I have dedicated a decade to, if my pay and working conditions are reduced further. I also would not be prepared to transfer to a for-profit company that does not share my values and expectations for my clients, so where is the continuity there?

Miss Elizabeth Taylor, Ramsay Place, Edinburgh

Fees make people miss payments

I AGREE wholeheartedly with Mr K Welsh (Letters, 26 November). The banks should be ashamed of themselves. I am currently in dispute with my bank over recent 100+ charges and I will continue to fight to have these charges refunded to me.

They want you to give up the fight – don't. A fee of 35 for non payment of a direct debit and then a further 20 the following month if you have gone over your overdraft ... well yes actually, the charges are putting people way over their overdraft limit.

Where do they draw the line? When someone has so many charges, they have no money to re-dress the balance.

Come on banks ... be reasonable and think of your customers, and not your balances.

Patricia McCarter, Kirkliston, Edinburgh