Letters: Posturing over the bungled trams project is out of line

He is the deputy leader of the council, second-in-charge of the ruling Lib-Dem/SNP coalition that runs our capital city – if he was so desperate to stop the trams why did he prop up the pro-tram Liberal Party in a coalition?

Surely if the man had any morals, he would simply walk away and oppose the project from the principled position of an opposition party?

He also conveniently forgets that on 1 May 2008 when the final award of the tram contracts came before the council, all 12 SNP councillors backed the signing of those contracts. Indeed, an amendment by his SNP colleague Councillor Tom Buchanan was accepted by the rest of the council and incorporated into the final decision. Yes, all 12 current SNP councillors backed the tram at contract closure.

I respect those who have consistently opposed the tram project, and equally I respect those who have consistently promoted it. What I cannot respect is the blatant opportunism displayed by Cllr Cardownie and the local SNP on this issue.

Cllr Cardownie as deputy leader of the capital city of Scotland should hang his head in shame over such political posturing on this subject.

Jenny Wales, Alva Street, Edinburgh

Parties will not be getting my vote

AS A council taxpayer, news that Councillor Ian Murray has been selected as the Labour candidate for Edinburgh South (News, 13 March) gives me a real dilemma as he preferred to spend untold millions on an unwanted tram scheme rather than on the front-line services that the council has a duty to finance.

Former Lib Dem councillor Fred Mackintosh also backed the trams without due regard to the financial consequences as do the Tories, so it is very likely that none of the above will get my vote.

Fraser Grant, Warrender Park Road, Edinburgh

Marking the folly of expensive idea

AS AN erstwhile supporter of the trams I dread the arrival of the papers to read of the latest PR disaster.

Now we hear that the cost is spiralling yet again, the start date is put back once more and the council, TIE and Bilfinger Berger are all at odds with each other with the poor council tax payers of Edinburgh kept in the dark.

Now would be a suitable time for the Scottish Parliament to pull a plug on the project as it is obvious that the three warring parties are frankly not up to the task.

We could then leave the two completed tramlines along Princes Street in splendid isolation as a latter-day folly as a warning against any future "ideas".

Scott Miller, Coillesdene Avenue, Joppa, Edinburgh

Closed toilets not at our convenience

I HAVE noticed that the public toilets in the Grassmarket have been closed since the recent 5 million "improvements".

Considering the number of busy pubs in this popular area and the number of justified complaints about urinating in closes, I find it remarkable that an existing facility has been removed.

Norrie Henderson, Meadowhouse Road, Corstorphine

Misery of littering remains a mystery

BRUNTSFIELD is not the only place afflicted with gross deposits of litter (Interactive, 11 March), especially by children shunning their school dinners. Perhaps your news-hounds could track down the masses of research which I am sure has been done at universities to find out why otherwise civilised people delight in spoiling their environment with litter.

Robin MacCormick, Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh

Thanks for helping bid to beat cancer

I'D LIKE to thank the Evening News for publicising the story of my husband Robert (This really is my last chance of surviving cancer hell, News, 15 March).

I hope and pray people out there can help us raise the much needed amount of 10,000 to help Robert. If anyone can help, our contact details are 0131-665 0828 and 07933-495 716 or email angie [email protected].

Angie Fyvie, Musselburgh

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