Letters: Consider options for power plant before pushing ahead

However, we do have real concerns about the current proposal being put forward by Forth Energy to build a large-scale energy plant in the middle of the Docks. The sheer scale as we understand it is likely to overwhelm and dominate much around it.

Other European cities which have operated biomass power plants very successfully have found that these tend to work best where the scale is somewhat smaller (i.e. no greater than about half the size of the current proposal).

For these reasons, the proposal as it stands raises a number of questions. For example, has consideration been given to alternative locations within Leith? We would like to know why there is a need for a plant on this scale, which must not be allowed to dominate the spectacular Edinburgh waterfront setting.

Finally, we would be interested in understanding more about the financial case for siting this plant here and to understand the evidence to demonstrate that there would be no adverse impacts on the health of local residents from the potential noise and emissions from the power plant.

Once we have this information, we can form a clearer and more definitive view of the proposal. In the meantime, we look forward to working with our community planning partners, including Forth Ports and the council.

Keith Anderson, chief executive, Port of Leith Housing Association, Constitution Street, Edinburgh

Voting won't make any difference

ANDREW Murphy urges us not to squander our vote at this election (Letters, 7 April). I don't agree.

I'd vote if I thought it would make any difference. Our politicians are just clones, indistinguishable by party or doctrine, and only interested in harvesting votes so they can exert power as they see fit – effectively disenfranchising voters for another five years.

It was politicians who took us into the "illegal" war in Iraq, and caused the bodybags coming back from Afghanistan, not the true will of the electorate.

Does anyone know anybody who wants the hugely expensive and intrusive ID card system we simply can't afford? Or who wants a Trident WMD already rendered obsolete by the end of the Cold War and which we can never use? Or anyone who wants government's restriction of civil liberties?

Or the appalling mismanagement of health and education, both political footballs blighted by incessant government interference?

And doesn't the tram project prove politicians know the will of the people yet still ignore us? How is this democracy?

As things stand, voting leads politicians to believe the system is working when it clearly isn't. I'm not prepared to invest a vote in politicians to join a "gravy train" and who will do everything they can to ignore me until my vote is needed again.

However, you vote Mr Murphy, you be deluded. Me? I'll just sit back, watch and wait for the inevitable.

Jim Taylor, The Murrays Brae, Edinburgh

Strangers were kind after my fall on bus

LAST Saturday I boarded the number four bus at Chesser and promptly fell flat on my face on the platform, cutting my leg badly.

I would like to thank three people who came to my assistance.

Firstly, the driver, Brian, who was very concerned for me and offered to get me an ambulance.

Secondly, a very nice middle aged lady who gave me reassurance and offered a brand new pack of tissues.

Thirdy, a very attractive young lady, Mikita, who was extremely helpful and practical, cut my tights and packed the tissues round the wound to stem the bleeding.

Despite the delay, all remained cheerful and caring throughout. Who says young people are selfish and uncaring? I certainly don't.

I had a very nasty experience three weeks ago but the actions of these people have helped to restore my faith in human nature.

So a very big thank you to these people – folks, you are all stars of the first order!

Catherine Bell, Colmestone Gate, Edinburgh