Letters: Business developments knocked off track by trams

Over the last thirty years there can be no denying that the west of Edinburgh has undergone tremendous transformation, and development at the South Gyle is perhaps the most obvious example of this.

What was once a relatively small industrial estate is now a sprawling and bourgeoning business park with dozens of modern buildings of all shapes and sizes.

When you travel through this though it is quite remarkable to see the number of these buildings that are either completely empty or semi-occupied and you do wonder why this is the case.

Is it because there are too many, is it because there is a lack of investment due to the recession or is it because companies refuse to invest in a city that is in turmoil caused by the trams project amongst other things?

Speaking of the trams project I appreciate that this is a great engineering undertaking but progress appears to be so slow and the area by the Maybury resembles a war zone.

You can only imagine what sort of first impression is being created in the minds of the many visitors who enter the city via the Glasgow Road, but the predominant question, of will it all be worth it, sticks in the mind.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Seeing red over spending plans

I HAVE to agree with CJR Fentiman's letter about the traffic lights near Gardner's Crescent (Interactive, September 29).

Can someone explain why the pedestrian traffic lights on Peffermill Road near Nairn's factory were installed. There are no shops or housing and very few pedestrians. This, in my mind, is a complete waste of money. I pass there most days and I have not seen these lights being used.

Between Gardner's Crescent and Peffermill Road you are talking about half a million pounds, money that could be spent on saving such things as nurseries.

WM Paxton Vexhim Park, Edinburgh

Tidy-up must be taken seriously

If Edinburgh City Council really wants to tidy up the tourist trail shops it should ban all external shopfront, pavement and entrance display of goods.

This custom, imported from India and Pakistan like so much of the tat displayed, is alien to Scotland.

In recent months the once-proud Princes Street has been further blighted by one such shop at both the east and west ends.

If the council has no powers to imposed such restrictions then its highly paid officials should seek them.

DR Watt, Bellevue Place, Edinburgh

Brace yourselves for harsh winter

The unions, including the RMT, CWU, Unite and Unison backed Ed Miliband.

They gave him thousands of pounds so he could win. What it means is that Ed is in hock to the unions.

David Miliband received more votes from Labour MPs and members but the union vote sealed it for Ed the Red. Now there will be bloody infighting.Now that the left leader will be in the pockets of the unions make no mistake there will be a lot of trouble with strikes. Bob Crow has been itching for a fight with the coalition government.

Another Winter of Discontent will ruin the country.

J Hill, Stenhouse Avenue, Edinburgh

Name and shame these teen thugs

I was shocked and horrified to read of the ordeal that the teenage victim of an assault was subjected to, and by young teenagers (Agony of teen victim in Omni attack, News, September 24).

I think that it is time such teenage thugs have their names and addresses made public. Then perhaps their parents would pay more attention to what their horribly antisocial children are up to.

Mrs J Macpherson, Carfrae Park, Edinburgh