Floored by the noise torture that is inflicted from above

AFTER experiencing approximately six years of sleep deprivation and my nerves being tested to the limits, I feel compelled to ask, why does the Scottish Government allow property owners/landlords to have sanded floorboards in an upstairs property?

Does anyone realise the extent of noise intrusion to the unfortunate dwellers of the property situated below? You can hear every move in the property, which can sometimes be extremely embarrassing. This type of constant noise exposure was an extremely effective way of torture used against prisoners of war.

Come on owners and landlords, get the carpets laid, and give the poor people below a well deserved break and their life back!

Jackie Smyth, Elgin Terrace, Edinburgh

Labour are the new 'nasty party'

BRIAN Monteith is right to warn against other political parties adopting Labour-style negative tactics in the run-up to the General Election (News, 11 February).

Labour appear to be copying the American tradition of political parties smearing opponents early in a campaign, with the comments on David Cameron's background matched in Scotland by personal attacks on Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. There is no doubt that Labour are the new "nasty party" both north and south of the Border.

Gavin Fleming, Webster's Land, Grassmarket, Edinburgh

What's your slant on the ski slope?

I AM receiving a lot of e-mails and letters complaining about the proposed closure of the Hillend Ski Centre.

Those who write to me say that this is a valuable resource for Lothian and Scotland and that it is crazy to close down such an asset when we at the same time are trying to encourage people of all ages to get out the house and take up some form of physical activity. On the other hand it appears that it will cost around 500,000 pounds to bring the ski centre up to modern standards and some people say that in a time of financial crisis this is money that could be better spent elsewhere, on schools for example.

So that I can get an idea of the true depth of feeling about the future of Hillend Ski Centre I would like to hear from as many people as possible with views on this subject. The response I get will help me decide the best way forward.

I ask anyone who reads this letter and has strong views on the subject to contact me at the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP

Dr Ian McKee MSP

Top officials must be held to account

I VERY much welcome the council decision to ditch the cruel tendering process for social care work (News, 2 February). It has been a stressful time for people who rely on these services and for the people who work to support them.

People can make their feelings known to councillors and hold them accountable at the polls.

The most senior council officials must be held to account as well. A lot of people would welcome those responsible resigning and not picking up a large severance package.

Evan Alston, Support Workers Action Network

Road safety fears fall on deaf ears

THE Rev Andrew Anderson's letter on 8 February concerning proposals for road closures in the London Road/Blenheim Place area is interesting. Alas, his pleas are likely to fall on deaf ears.

I am a resident of Regent Terrace and in September 2008 wrote to my local ward councillor pointing out that closure of Blenheim Place had serious knock-on effects at the junctions of London Road/Easter Road and at Carlton Terrace.

My prime concern was road safety, as accidents in the area had risen after the closure of Blenheim Place. The councillor acknowledged my letter and stated that other residents had also written expressing the same concern.

My letter was passed on to the appropriate official. Since 2008 several other accidents have occurred in the Carlton Terrace Brae area. I have written several times since expressing my concern but have yet to receive any assurance on the road safety issues.

Peter Marriott, Regent Terrace, Edinburgh