Letters: Bringing in fuel would chip away at credibility of plant

Perhaps those in charge of the project should start by looking closer to home for sources of fuel. I have worked in horticulture for 12 years now and experience tells me there is a lot of woody waste material, particularly over the winter period.

I would imagine places such as the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the city parks, the Forestry Commission and even private estates/premises would be only too glad to donate their waste to a project like this.

What about sourcing the waste timber that gets dumped by joiners and the public at civic amenity sites every day of the year? The wood is not much use for anything else but will surely burn to produce power.

If shipments of timber have to come from abroad then I hope it is a last resort, otherwise it defeats the purpose of trying to be greener.

Mr Alastair Macintyre, Webster Place, Rosyth

Make lights and bells compulsory

I HEARTILY agree with M Kahan's letter (22 February) about cyclists. I am deaf, and cannot hear a cyclist coming up behind me unless he/she has a loud bell. I cannot enjoy a walk across many of the paths in the Meadows, shopping on the streets of Marchmont, or a walk along the canal without fear of being struck by a bike. I have even seen bikes on the pavement in Princes Street.

I am also a road user, and I am amazed at the number of cyclists with either faulty lights or none at all.

I would go further and say that in this technological age it should be compulsory for all cycles to be sold with lights and bells. Cars and motorbikes are required to have them.

I apologise to those cyclists who are considerate. I love you when I can see you and hear you!

H M Rae, Grange

'Idiot' cyclists are needing protection

THE problem of discourteous cyclists is not limited to the city and its suburbs. I travel daily to and from Livingston on the A8 and whilst cycleways have been recently constructed I have yet to see a cyclist use one.

They prefer risking their own safety and the safety of other (insured) vehicles by cycling on the road during peak traffic times, darkness and even in times of limited visibility. Something really needs to be done to protect these idiots from themselves.

Norrie Henderson, Meadowhouse Road, Edinburgh

UK a basket case thanks to Brown

I SHARE Cllr Lesley Hinds' distaste for privatising council care services (Interactive, 20 February), but who is to blame for the current need for cuts in council budgets in the first place?

Firstly, the previous Labour-led council administration was guilty of gross financial bungling and the current Lib Dem/SNP group is simply having to deal with the mess it inherited.

Secondly, at a UK level, Gordon Brown's handling of the economy for a decade has turned the UK into an economic basket case, the effects of which will be felt for decades. This had led to cuts in the Scottish Government's budget which in turn affects all councils including Edinburgh.

Therefore on the subject of council savings, a little bit of humility from Ms Hinds and her Labour colleagues is overdue.

Gavin Fleming, Webster's Land, Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Work together for the benefit of all

I WAS disappointed to read the comments of Councillor Eric Barry in the News (23 February).

As chair of the management committee I am delighted Jason Rust has taken a lead on the saving of our community centre, and our petition is well under way.

This seems to be a case of sour grapes and rather than carp from the sidelines, Councillor Barry would do well to follow the example of Jason Rust and fight for the best for our area without bringing in petty party politics when we all want the same.

Eric, please work with Jason and the rest of the community for the benefit of us all.

Marlene Douglas, chair of management committee, Colinton Mains Community Centre

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