Letters: Don't put tarmac over the serene green scene at Dean

The new anti-erosion/safety work was good but the first thing that struck me was "what a shame"; the new stretches of Tarmac really seem to detract from the magic of the 'valley'.

Over the winter I usually run every second day along the valley, the variation underfoot making things more interesting and being safer on the joints, though now I'll have to look about for other options.

Is it really necessary that we Tarmac and concrete over nature everywhere we go? Do the streets and parks not provide enough alternatives for those who don't like getting their brogues or bicycle wheels dirty?

Adults and children alike should have proper woodland paths available to them, not just those with transport to get outside of the town.

The valley seems to have slipped a little more towards being just another inner city cut-through. No more 'Paved Paradise' please.

Oliver Bassi, Stockbridge

Case is a sad sign of modern times

I WAS saddened to read about the driver that was fined 300 for what I can only see as maybe saving the young boy's life (Driver attacked boy aged 12 for dancing on the road, News, October 5). I am a full-time taxi driver and I am sad to say I see this behaviour all the time – total disregard for their own lives and ignorance for the safety of motorists. I am also a father of two boys. Had that been one of mine, I would be thanking the driver and punishing my child.

It sends the wrong signals to our kids that they can do what ever they want without consequences and it may stop other people from stepping in to prevent our kids from stupid, dangerous things, which we all did when we were young and ignorant. It's a sad sign of modern times.

Jeff Sutton, Cleekim Drive, Edinburgh

We can't afford political excesses

NO doubt once the coalition's expenditure cuts are fully revealed the stage will be set for a Government v Unions battle; in reality it should be a case of the rest of us against both, as neither side confronts the situation honestly.

Reckless banking practice was only the match which lit the blue paper of wanton public spending; we've been living beyond our means, so belts must now be tightened.

Public service unions are intent on preserving both jobs and salaries, yet a brief glance at any council list will reveal a host of obviously unnecessary posts, allied to ridiculous upper level incomes.

But the greatest overmanning lies in government, with MPs, MSPs, MEPs and councillors all draining the public purse. We should scrap the pointless House of Lords, reduce all parliamentary salaries and slash our European Union contributions by half. We simply can't afford any of these extravagances.

Robert Dow, Ormiston Road, Tranent

Tories not about to win friends

ONE of the Conservative Party's candidates for Holyrood has resigned after using intemperate language, and saying that Scots are thick – because they didn't like Mrs Thatcher, apparently.

It is worth recalling that this is the same party which, a few days ago, was volunteering to go into coalition with others at Holyrood next May. I wonder if they'll get any takers?

David Fiddimore, Calton Road, Edinburgh

Full marks for my first-class care

I HAVE returned home after 12 days in the Edinbugh Royal Infirmary, where I had major surgery.

I want to put on record my appreciation of the treatment I received from all the staff on Ward 102. It really was first-class and I cannot praise them highly enough.

There are far too many negative comments regarding the NHS, and I hope this positive feedback goes some way to redressing the balance.

Helen Gray, Firrhill Drive, Edinburgh