Hole lot of work needs done to make our roads safe again

Repeated complaints over many months simply result in the occasional visit with a spade and temporary "dod" of tar, the most recent in my area four weeks ago. In the 100 metres at the bottom of Learmonth Avenue there are numerous four-inch-deep by 18-inch-wide potholes.

Broken aggregate the size of golf balls surrounds the area, acting as missiles when struck by a passing car tyre.

For users it is an accident waiting to happen. Fortunately car suspension and structures can be repaired, but serious personal injury to a cyclist or pedestrian is more concerning.

When will the council take measures to permanently repair this area which has been degenerating for several years?

The pavements surrounding this area are similarly in urgent need of repair.

This is a rocky ride, even in a 4x4, and a no-go for bikes. So much for the council trying to encourage us to get on our bikes.

Come on Edinburgh City Council, get on with a proper repair programme before there is serious harm to person or property.

Ken Dundas, Edinburgh

Paths not geared up for cycle use

NORRIE Henderson (Interactive, 24 February) observes that cyclists are not using the new cycleways, but does he ask himself why?

Cycleways have got to be as attractive as the road and not zigzag all over the place, as unfortunately many do. There are two different cyclists, the recreational one who is not time-driven, and the commuter who wants to get from A to B in the shortest possible time.

Many of the present cycleways are not geared to meet the commuters' need, hence their overspilling on to the already congested roadway. As both a driver and cyclist I find the thoughtless pedestrian the main hazard, yet the police turn a blind eye to this.

Colin C Maclean, Hillpark Avenue, Edinburgh

Protecting the tax payers is a priority

SINCE the tram project was confirmed by the Scottish Parliament we have all been concerned to deliver this scheme as quickly as possible, at the best price and with the minimum of disruption to residents and businesses.

We have heard and read a lot of comment about problems with the project, some of it fair some of it ill-informed. Edinburgh councillors, especially those of us on the TIE or TEL Boards, have found it incredibly frustrating that we have been unable to provide detailed rebuttal of inaccurate or misleading speculation because of the commercially sensitive nature of ongoing contractual discussions.

Edinburgh councillors, of all parties, are determined that the interests of the taxpayer must be at the forefront of the decision making which takes place. To that end, last autumn we put on record our support for TIE in using every means possible to bring the issues in dispute to a satisfactory conclusion that will ensure best value and minimise disruption.

These words, of course, offer little comfort to those directly affected by the continued slow progress with on-street worksites. We are particularly concerned at the level of uncertainty that this stalemate is causing the business community. We recognise the importance for businesses of being able to plan ahead. We can only assure those concerned that getting an acceptable and reliable schedule of works is a key element of the current discussions.

Our priority remains to deliver a tram scheme as quickly as possible consistent with protecting the interests of the taxpayers and minimising disruption to our city.

Cllr Gordon Mackenzie, transport convener

Panto time at No 10 .. oh yes it is

WHY do we have to put up with this pantomime of Downing Street, when it is clear that it is not a happy place to work? Please can we be issued with the staff turnover of the place?

Whether Gordon Brown likes it or not, the staff of Downing Street obviously do not like or get on with each other.

We are supposed to have a General Election by June, so please stop this charade and call the election today.

Diana Mackenzie, Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh