Letter: Give us peace

AS A long-term resident of the Grassmarket in Edinburgh, I wish to endorse the sentiments expressed by Elspeth Wills (Letters, 10 August). I know I am not alone in my feelings of disappointment at the position adopted by the council with regard to this historic space.

Somewhere down the line, the council seems to have lost any idea of stylishness or classiness and appears only to wish to promote this area as a place for youngsters to indulge in one of the scourges of this country - viz, the booze culture. And how successful this policy has proved: weekends here are frequently bedlam, with shouting, screaming and general mayhem throughout the night, easing off only when the last clubs have closed, at about 5am.

The recent multi-million-pound "refurbishment" has not improved matters - in fact, this important historical site is now an events arena ringed by licensed premises and fast-food outlets and cafs, where in the evenings, normal rules of civilised behaviour do not seem to apply. It is depressing to think that residents may eventually be driven away and the tenements will contain only party flats.

You report (11 August) that Film Focus, while promoting the film One Day, wants to introduce visitors "to our beautiful city and its attractions, history and cultural heritage". Let's hope the visitors don't come upon the Grassmarket on an evening of roistering stag and hen parties.

JEAN ARCHIBALD

Grassmarket

Edinburgh