Letters: Lady Boys were here long before nosey neighbours

The Lady Boys have been coming to Edinburgh long before Quartermile came into being, and new residents should have been well aware that they were moving in as neighbours to an already well-established public space for the use of everyone.

The residents should be reminded that the previous occupants of their space were ill people who did not have the benefits of double or triple glazing and who could not choose to go out for the evening.

The cost and the whole ambience of Quartermile would lead one to believe that its occupants are not poor financially and therefore could possibly have a choice about where to live.

It is ungracious of them to propose changing rules for events that pre-date them.

This is reminiscent of the situation around the Coburg Street "triangle" a few years ago when the prostitutes had to move on. Again, the newcomers did not like what was happening on their doorstep.

Prostitution and festivals, even if not to everyone's personal approval, are historic and integral parts of a city.

Gail Keating, Polton Street, Edinburgh

Terror threat is fear for all cities

WITH Edinburgh about to enjoy its busiest time of the year in terms of tourism, in the wake of the Norwegian tragedy we all should perhaps be that little bit more vigilant when going about our daily lives.

Of course there is no need to be paranoid about security and nobody should live in fear, as the chances of something happening in Edinburgh or Scotland on the scale of the Norwegian atrocity have to be fairly slim.

However, as this shocking incident has clearly demonstrated, no country big or small can in this day and age look upon itself as being truly free from the threat of terrorism.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Councillor vows to attend meeting

I WRITE in connection with the article entitled "Councillors Snub Meeting" (News, July 26), which referred to a meeting on Alternative Business Models taking place at Meadowbank Stadium.

As one of the councillors mentioned, can I assure my constituents that I shall be attending the meeting.Having met the organisers some weeks ago at my surgery, I confirmed to them that I would be available to attend a meeting this week and was therefore surprised to read of my alleged snub.

The Alternative Business Models project has been on-going for a long time, but no decisions regarding the privatisation of council services have yet been taken and indeed an in-house public sector comparator is being developed at the same time.

As noted in our budget motion in February 2010, I am instinctively supportive of public services, but I do recognise the need, in the financial climate in which the council finds itself, to explore every option to deliver services as efficiently as possible.

In the meantime, I am happy to hear the views of my constituents.

Gary Peacock, Lib Dem councillor for Craigentinny/Duddingston

Red tape hasn't quite been sliced

WHILE the UK Government's plan to scrap 130 business regulations facing retailers, such as reducing the age at which one can buy Christmas crackers, is to be welcomed, this comes at a time when this same government is introducing big ticket regulation around the likes of parental leave and flexible working.

Cutting red tape for businesses is vital if we are to deliver sustainable economic growth and create jobs, but this move smacks more than a little of window dressing, of tinkering at the edges, while burdening businesses with even greater regulation.

Alex Orr, Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh