Letters: Give us more help in dealing with the nightmare of noise

And the excessive paperwork and waiting time for your case to reach a decision needs to be cut as this adds to the stress.

When one calls the noise team one finds that they are hampered by the regulations.

More often than not, though they may have every sympathy with you, they have to tell you there is nothing they can do.

They urge you to call them if the noise occurs again, but having no positive action taken raises a mental block.

The more often the officers call with no result only encourages the noise inflictors to continue.

It is also disconcerting if the noise happens in early morning and you have to wait for the noise team in your night attire.

The self-abuse caused by drink and drugs is very much highlighted.

What is not highlighted enough is the self abuse the noise inflictors can afflict upon themselves by excessive loud music.

If this was propagated more it might help in cutting down the offences. Perhaps those with the required medical knowledge could take this up.

Noise is an ongoing problem which is not treated seriously enough.

John Cowen, Stewart Terrace, Edinburgh

Candidates must face climate threat

CLIMATE change is arguably the greatest threat in the world today, and already is ruining the crops and killing the livestock of thousands of farmers in the third world by causing drought and floods in different places. If not checked, it will endanger all life on the planet.

Scotland has distinguished itself in seeking new power sources, and making real strides towards reducing greenhouse gasses.

We need to take the message also to Westminster and support efforts to improve the record of the UK. Readers should raise this issue on the doorstep and in any chance they have to meet their candidates.

Jenny Martin, Dudley Avenue, Edinburgh

Queen Mum not any kind of Scot

YOUR columnist Martin Hannan describes Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, as "a great Scotswoman by anyone's standards" (News, 6 April). Sorry?

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was born in London, as were her parents.

Her grandparents were all born in England.

She spent a bit of time enjoying the privilege of the family's inherited seat at Glamis during her childhood, but lived in London all her life, with a holiday home in Caithness.

I fail to see what makes her a Scotswoman, never mind a great one. By anyone's standards.

G Smith, Morningside Road, Edinburgh

New band would give the park life

I WISH to congratulate Edinburgh City Council on the improvements being carried out in Victoria Park, Leith.

The tree-planting is well advanced and the introduction of lighting will make the park a more attractive and safer place.

I wonder if anything could be done to resurrect the old Leith Silver Band, and if the council could provide facilities for them to play in Victoria Park during summer evenings.

Many years ago there were large bandstands there and in Leith Links, and while I would not expect the council to meet the cost of a replacement, I think it would be possible to provide temporary seating for a band and spectators in or near the children's play areas. Perhaps our local councillors could take this up.

Donald Jack, Summerside Place, Leith

Rising prices are driving me out

MOTORISTS filling up their cars are having to pay more, and Scotland will pay the biggest prices at 120.9p a litre.

These petrol increases will make transport, food and the cost of living a lot dearer.

We will have to pay dearer NI contributions, then the death tax, and Labour says things will get worse.

Where's my passport?

J Hill, Stenhouse Avenue, Edinburgh

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