Letters: New neighbour would be ferry noisy in Portobello

AS A resident of Portobello on the seafront very near to the proposed hovercraft terminal, neither the article in the News of July 9 nor the comments the following day mentiond the intolerable noise levels generated by the operation of such craft on a half-hour frequency already experienced during the trial period.

There is no room for parking at the south side of the proposed terminal at Portobello.

Also, as the proposed shuttle bus would bring passengers direct from the centre of the city and Ocean Terminal, the service would be of little or no benefit to the local High Street of Portobello.

Why not build the ramp for hovercraft operation at Western Harbour where the public transport system will be readily available in the form of tram and bus interchange, or will this upset the yuppies in their golden turrets at Platinum Point and beyond?

Anne Dignan, Westbank Street, Edinburgh

Efforts made to limit work effects

I READ with disappointment the story 'More tram misery as streets hit by 24-hour utility works' (News, July 12), regarding work due to start on Broughton Street tomorrow.

The details of cabling work due to be carried out by BT over the coming months are misleading at a critical time for us and we are keen to set the record straight for both businesses and residents in the area.

The article makes reference to the cabling work as being on a par with the diversion of water and gas utilities undertaken in the past, when it was necessary to excavate areas of the road surface to access the pipes beneath.

This is not the case. Cabling work is almost completely unobtrusive and does not require the roads to be dug up.

BT engineers will make use of existing manholes in order to feed the cables along the length of the street and any noise associated with the work will be at an absolute minimum.

In order to reassure the traders and residents in this area we would also stress that Broughton Street will not be closed during this time to accommodate these works.

Mandy Haeburn-Little, Director of Customer Services and Communications, Edinburgh Trams

Far side of city pays higher price

AS A prospective council candidate and as a resident in Liberton, I want to say just how unfair the proposed introduction of a 1 drop-off charge at Edinburgh Airport would be to those at this side of the city, and indeed the city in general.

As the airport is a good distance away from this area, there is no option for many but to drive.

The elderly and those with young children would be particularly disadvantaged. I hope BAA reconsider this unfair charge.

Stephanie Murray, Liberton Brae, Edinburgh

Wide of target over gun users

I FIND your comment regarding the proposed gun club plan (News, July 12) "many of us are simply bewildered, and indeed suspicious, at the fascination that some grown ups continue to have with firing pistols and rifles" rather offensive and unfortunate.

Did you ever consider law-abiding people going about their hobby of re-enacting various periods in the history of this planet, using pistols and rifles in a responsible manner?

Not everyone interested in firearms is, as your comment makes out, in need of counselling.

Iain Grant, Craigmount Brae, Edinburgh

Papal visit's cost only a distraction

THE cost of the papal visit will be a mere pittance compared to the horrendous sums spent on endless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Westminster government would rather people concentrated on matters such as the papal visit than wars and Trident.

Andrew JT Kerr, Jedburgh.