Letters: It's time to stop chain stores invading our city's 'villages'

The arguments against big supermarket chains and other clone retailers moving into urban areas are well documented, yet we act as if we're powerless to do anything against it.

It's time for local councils and our Scottish government to stop giving in to chain store planning demands, even if it means turning away immediate revenue in the face of deficit.

Many towns and cities in the United States are now limiting the number of "formula businesses" who can set up shop in their area.

What's stopping us doing the same?

Tom Ellingham, Montgomery Street, Edinburgh

Different school of thought, Marilyne

I WAS somewhat astounded to read Marilyne MacLaren claim her local party has "invested heavily in new schools and upgrades" (News, 15 February).

Can she name one new or refurbished Edinburgh school that the current Lib-Dem/SNP council coalition was responsible for initiating and which will be open prior to the next local government elections in May 2012?

Peter L Barker, Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh

Collective amnesia over price increase

HURRAH! House prices rises are on the rise (News, 16 February). Are we starting to get collective amnesia? The last time we crowed about rising house prices was months before Northern Rock went bust.

Taken in context alongside stagnating wages, increasing unemployment and a collapse in house building, not to mention increasingly long waiting lists and rising repossessions, house price rises indicate housing scarcity, rather than recovery.

Politicians must carve out a solution that means an equitable housing market, which includes building more affordable homes.

Graeme Brown, director, Shelter Scotland, South Charlotte Street, Edinburgh

Mr Brown will be punished at polls

SHAME on Gordon Brown for using his baby daughter's death as a method of gaining sympathy votes as the General Election looms.

I thought Tony and Cherie Blair were bad enough, but his STV interview made me reach for the off button. Surely voters are not thick enough to be influenced by that sickening interview. I hope the election will give him the punishment he deserves.

Mrs Sylvia M De Luca, Baberton Park, Juniper Green, Edinburgh

Afghan war is a waste of resources

AS YET more Scottish soldiers gear up to head to Afghanistan and support the latest strategy, one is forced to ask what exactly they are risking their lives for.

It is clear that the army is out of ideas, as they move 15,000 troops through an area and have the audacity to claim it as a great victory.

They are fighting a guerrilla insurgency, defined by its successful hit-and-run tactics. These offensives have been tried time and again to much fanfare, only for the insurgents to disappear into the mountains and reappear the moment the troops leave.

It's time to stop wasting resources and blood on an endless occupation and to start taking care of education, health and poverty in our communities.

Gordon Crawford, Scottish Socialist Party

Fed up with poor role model Richey

WHY do you persist in reporting every lamentable incident in Kenny Richey's life (News, 15 February)?

He has been convicted of murder in the past, and is now facing another jail sentence for assault.

He may be Scottish by birth, but he can hardly be regarded as a valued son of Edinburgh, having spent most of his life in America, or indeed a suitable role model for young people.

Robert S Clark, Brunstane Drive, Edinburgh

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