Letters: Don't let bad management spoil school success story

When the schools were built it was envisaged that one or other may have to expand in the future.

Within the plans, space was left to build a further wing. I realise that funds are tight in the council, but these are PPP schools, so could the council not try to negotiate with the owners to look at this possibility?

Rather than have every pupil in both schools move, with the disruption that would mean to their education, could St Joseph's not just use the unused accommodation in Broomhouse? Or is this too simplistic?

The question must be asked, how has St Joseph's been allowed to become overcrowded? It would appear that many of the pupils are non-Roman Catholic and from outwith the catchment area.

The council must surely look closely at this as it cannot help the education of the children attending St Joseph's to be in overcrowded accommodation.

There was a lot of concern amongst parents when the joint campus was proposed but these worries have been overcome and it has been a success story.

I would hate to think that bad planning and/or bad management would damage this success.

Frank Russell, former councillor, Broomhouse Crescent, Edinburgh

Look at positive side of the trams

LIKE many people I have been somewhat sceptical of the trams project since its inception, especially with the way the plans were bulldozed through.

However, now that visible progress can be seen and things are starting to take shape, perhaps now is the time to stop being cynical and negative and concentrate on the potential positive advantages that the trams may actually bring.

Yes the project is behind schedule and is over budget, but as it has crossed the Rubicon, so to speak, it would be foolish in the extreme to abandon it now and it would be hugely negative to continue bemoaning it.

More than likely when the trams are finally up and running further problems will be encountered, but for heaven's sake let's cross those bridges when we come to them and concentrate on the positives – as hard as that might be!

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Overhead lines are safe the world over

IN REFERENCE to your article "Another trams shocker" (4 March), and subsequent letter from Mr Clark on 8 March on the Edinburgh tram project, I'd like to clarify a few points.

Overhead lines are common to tram routes the world over, and they are extremely safe. As with other parts of the system, there will be an extensive education and information campaign beginning next year to ensure that everyone in Edinburgh understands how the tram will work and any aspects that are particular to pedestrians and house owners on the route.

The overhead lines are positioned high above the road and traffic – almost 20 feet above the road.

It is only the small section of the route, at the southern end of Constitution Street, where the building fronts are sufficiently close to be influenced by the cables.

Mandy Haeburn-Little, director of customer services and communications, Edinburgh Trams

Candidate gets vote for making effort

AS A "floating voter" I find the current trend of politicians trying to attract the attention of those who elect them by impersonal means such as large-scale televised debates and the internet a complete turn-off.

I want to meet those who seek my vote in person. So far the only candidate in Edinburgh South who has bothered to visit our flat has been from the SNP. He was polite and friendly and answered all the questions we asked him in an honest way.

He may have little chance of winning, but Sandy Howatt will get my vote.

Karen Burchill, Warrender Park Road, Edinburgh

Tell us your views by e-mail:

[email protected]

or write to us at:

Evening News, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS