Stop playing politics with capital's tram project

Published on Monday 11 August 2008 22:04

Murdo Fraser, MSP, (Letters, 9 August) complains about the SNP suggesting the enormous sums spent on trams in Edinburgh could have been spent elsewhere, and conveniently overlooks the fact that the citizens of Edinburgh were never asked whether they wanted the things in first place.

Having seen one of the few ironmongers in Edinburgh (in Leith Walk) close its doors forever, not to mention the dozens of businesses of all sizes with complaint notices in their windows (and I won't comment on the opinions of the poor folk who actually have to cope with endless roadworks), I suggest the SNP is, for once, entirely correct.

I know few Edinburgh residents who wanted trams, and even fewer who still want them. But, of course, we were not consulted – we never are. Mr Fraser attempts to make party political capital at the SNP's expense. Even as a lifelong Tory, I have to say he is wrong.

ALAN G MELVILLE

Shaw's Street

Edinburgh

Despite your off-target U-turn cartoon (7 August), the SNP's support for extensions to the Edinburgh tram system is, in fact, a rare example of responsible and democratic politics. Having accepted the will of the Scottish Parliament, it's only right that our government should explore ways of enhancing the service.

As it stood, the single line was, in any case, something of a toytown affair, and although the former widespread network will never return, other areas deserve connection to the service.

Edinburgh Royal Infirmary is a key focal point for not only the city but a wide surrounding area, and should have been included from the start. Newcraighall, on the other hand, already has a rail link.

At all events, I hope opposition MSPs, notably Labour, will acknowledge this gesture and resist using it to score political points on U-turns.

ROBERT DOW

Ormiston Road

Tranent, East Lothian