Letters: Litter wardens must pick on culprits of messy streets

As one of the people that Mr Black used to complain about when I was on the council, I suppose I could dismiss his comments by passing them off as the ranting of a moaner. However, I think that would do him a great disservice.

I well remember doing a survey for the Labour Party in the early 80s in Marchmont, when there was disappointment from the activists that the number one issue for residents was dog fouling.

Since then, I do believe that the city has improved, and it is good to see that a great many dog owners are responsible and do clean up after their pet. However, the point needs to be made that the council doesn’t drop a single piece of litter, nor is the council responsible for dog-fouling.

Mr Black seems to absolve the real culprits of any blame whatsoever. The cleansing service in the city has improved over the years – since cleanliness has been measured, we can see that the figures speak for themselves. The problem is that there are still too many people who think it is OK to drop litter, and who think it is acceptable not to clean up after their dog.

Well done to the council for recruiting litter wardens again. I hope they issue a great many fines, because some people just won’t get the message until they face the consequences.

Donald Anderson, The Spinney, Edinburgh

Wind farms blow a load of hot air

Anti-wind farm campaigners are today protesting outside the SNP conference in Inverness.

Alex Salmond was asked to accept a petition “to stop the reckless siting of wind turbines in Scotland” but instead was sending the Environmental Minister Paul Wheelhouse. Draw your own conclusions.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Wind farms enhance energy security and are already delivering jobs and investment and benefits.”

Enhance energy security? Where will the electricity come from when the wind does not blow?

Two of Scotland’s power companies have already warned of looming blackouts.

Delivering jobs? Only 2235 people are employed directly at Scotland’s 91 onshore wind farms.

Research in various countries has shown that for every green job, three to four are lost in the real economy.

Investment? The turbines are built by foreign developers, using foreign steel, with foreign installation teams and dividends go to foreign shareholders.

Effectively British subsidies, paid for by electricity users and taxpayers, leave the UK for foreign pastures never to be seen again.

Clark Cross, Springfield Road, Linlithgow

Quids in after a booze cruise

George Osborne’s budget is good news for someone like me who enjoys a little tipple. I can save £52 per year – all I have to do is drink 100 pints of beer every week.

Ian McLaren, Bramdean Rise, Edinburgh