Letters: Opposition to late coffee shop is a storm in a teacup

The claim is that it could lead to incidents of disorder and disturbance. I have never in my life witnessed disorder in coffee shops.

Perhaps the police should ask the public for their views on this subject as I am sure most people would rather see a late-night coffee shop over some rowdy bar or nightclub in the neighbourhood.

Why is it when you visit continental Europe that you can get a coffee at almost any hour of the day at the many nice street outlets yet in much of the UK it is impossible do so after 5:30pm?

If there is trouble then the police should deal with those that are causing the trouble and ensure that they face a stiff punishment rather than opposing the opening hours of coffee shops. If the UK authorities encouraged more of a continental-style cafe culture then perhaps there might be less trouble with alcohol-related crime.

Mr Alastair Macintyre, Webster Place, Rosyth, Fife

Restore Open Line to help thousands

MY wife Alex and I would like to express deep gratitude to Father Andy Monaghan (Phone-in Father gets cut off, News, 12 June).

I heard my wife on his programme Open Line. We were both in despair. We had been dumped by a wife and husband we loved. My wife Alex lost two lovely sons aged seven and 11 taken to Canada, leaving no address.

Andy comforted Alex and she prayed to Jesus.

Through a personal ad in the Evening News, we met on a "blind date" and four months later we were married – 23 years ago in October.

God helped me find the boys in Canada and Alex visited five times.

We had a miracle and were taken to visit Niagara Falls by Alex's former husband and his new wife!

God is good and Andy is his instrument. We pray Open Line is restored to help thousands more distressed people.

Eddie and Alex McQue, Goldenacre Terrace, Edinburgh

Setting the record straight on school

TWO letters have recently appeared in connection with the proposal to build on Portobello Park which need some correction (Stephen McIntyre's on 9 June and David Davidson's on 15 June).

In Stephen McIntyre's letter he gives the impression that 6 million is needed to keep the school going without explaining that some of this money is a long-term investment estimated by surveyors based on the assumption that the school has a longer life than is intended.

He also fails to mention that there is a negligible difference in condition between Portobello High School and James Gillespie's High School due to lack of investment in maintenance over a long period of time.

With regard to the limited inspection, this was carried out when there had been a great deal of concern stemming from some exaggerated reports of the school being in a dangerous condition. Indeed, I remember Cllr Ian Perry having to calm the fears of parents at a meeting at Towerbank, one of the feeder primary schools about the school being a fire hazard.

He made it quite clear that at no time would the safety of children in schools be put at risk due to the condition of the building. Mr McIntyre is selective in what he says and quotes me out of context.

In contrast, David Davidson states that I did not vote against the proposal for the school to be located on the Park. I was not a councillor when this decision was taken in December 2006. I have been consistent since this proposal was first made at the beginning of 2006 and I am happy to represent the views of the many people who are against building on Portobello Park. Holding these views does not mean the rejection of 45m of investment in this part of the city as he implies.

Cllr Stephen Hawkins, Lib Dem member for Portobello/Craigmillar

Time to fix nasty stretch of road

THE other day whilst cycling along George Street I was almost brought crashing to the ground by the general state of the road and I can only presume that this stretch of road in particular is in such a mess is because of the excessive and heavy traffic which now thunders along it on a daily basis.

I understand and appreciate that allowances have to be made during the construction of the trams project but before someone has a rather nasty accident at this stretch of road, whether they be pedestrian, cyclist or indeed motorist, the council ought to take some sort of action in terms of road repairs.

In the state it is now, I shudder to think what it will be like when the trams are at long last up and running.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Watch out for the enemy within

WHO runs the country? It's not Gordon Brown, but Lord Peter Mandelson.

Just look at the influence he has – his titles are First Secretary of the State, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Lord President of the Council.

He has also taken over Brown's spin machine. Brown better watch the enemy within.

Jim Hill, Stenhouse Avenue, Edinburgh