Letters: No point in having CCTV if it is not going to be used

WHAT happened to Scotland having an honest population? I recently got off a Lothian Bus during an epileptic seizure, leaving my bag behind.

Within 20 minutes I realised what I had done and stopped another bus so the driver could contact control and tell them this. Control service was broken so I went along in person to the bus depot and gave them details.

I phoned the lost and found service with no luck. I asked if the camera on the bus could be used to find out what happened but was told they couldn't use the service for lost property.

I'm sure if photographs were taken and posted up on buses showing these people in action it would make a difference.

Lorraine Beveridge, Portobello High Street, Edinburgh

Worth paying to halt badge misuse

IN RESPONSE to Mrs G Riva's letter (News, 27 April), as a genuine disabled badge holder I would be willing and happy to pay, say, 100 a year for the disabled badge to stop the unbelievable misuse of them.

If the council put this payment towards devising ways to stop people using them inappropriately, for example a name and shame phone line, then it would be money well spent.

I work in an office in the West End, where two able-bodied people used their parents' badges to save on parking fees. Another person uses their dead father's badge as no one asks for the badges back!

They know I am disabled but they don't even care if they are taking up a space I could use! If that is happening on one street in Edinburgh, then just how many people are doing the same throughout the Lothians?

People do not seem to have a conscience and feel that the "badge" is in the family, so why not use it?

And they know that it is a total rarity that someone does get fined or indeed loses their badge.

At the weekends I find it hard to find a space in any car park due to this escalating misuse of blue badges.

I would welcome a yearly charge. I also think you should have to display your photo face-up, issuing regulations should be made much tighter and traffic wardens should be allowed to ask people and fine on the spot if it is not their badge.

Linda Duncan, Edinburgh

Spending can help Scotland flourish

VOTERS are not going to be duped, we know cuts in public spending are coming no matter which party gets into power next month.

This makes it doubly important to spend our money where it matters. We know combating climate change will help Scotland flourish.

How? Because tackling climate change means new green jobs, better public transport, healthier people, stronger communities, insulated homes and less fuel poverty. I'll be asking my election candidates what they will do to help.

Jamie Robertson, Victoria Street, Edinburgh

Cuts in building will hit for years

THE Chartered Institute of Housing's first quarterly report from the UK Housing Panel report, which has just been released, shows that its 290 members throughout the UK share one common view – more affordable homes and greater stability are needed to tackle the housing crisis.

Adding to the supply and improving the quality of affordable housing is an imperative measure when we are still feeling the effects of a recession.

A good social housing stock has knock-on benefits to a number of other areas such as reducing health, education and prison costs.

It is also vital to kick-starting the construction industry, maintaining skills and creating new employment opportunities. This in turn will boost the economy.

It may seem like an easy thing to cut investing in new affordable housing when money is tight, but the domino effect of any deep cuts will be felt for generations to come.

Keith Anderson, chief executive, Port of Leith Housing Association, Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh