Letters: Silver lining for city out of dark recession clouds

ISN'T Gordon Barraclough talking sense when he tells us that confidence is the key to the economy's fate (Letters, January 9)? And, aren't we being assaulted by bogus claims of "credit crunch" woe which are largely unjustified?

Wasn't the Bank of England deliberately maintaining high interest rate levels to keep Sterling high, giving the illusion of a strong currency?

Weren't Woolworths and myriad other retail companies already in trouble when the "economic slowdown" bit?

Wasn't the housing market ludicrously over heated and already anticipating an adjustment? Wasn't construction unsustainable at this high level?

And locally, how can taxi trade "representative" Murray Fleming (News, January 8) expect anything other than a poor Hogmanay when he and his ilk argued for the seven per cent increase in taxi fares publicised before the festive period - did he expect customers to remain loyal to the trade in the face of such perceived overt greed and commercial stupidity?

Recession is a cleansing economic mechanism. The fit and efficient survive. The weak and greedy don't. The economy becomes stronger as a result.

Recession also brings opportunities. Our last two holiday breaks have been taken in the UK. The expense of buying a foreign holiday, the low value of Sterling making it more expensive when there, along with the inconvenience of being herded like cattle through airports with demeaning security checks all point to more people taking their break at home. And there's much for families to enjoy in the UK by doing so.

Edinburgh is well placed as a prime visitor destination to benefit from this. With investment in marketing and real determination and commitment by our tourist bodies and government, visitors could well be the silver lining on our dark cloud.

Jim Taylor, The Murrays Brae, Edinburgh

Make it tough for the bicycle thieves

YOUR report on bicycle thefts (Evening News, January 8) is truly disturbing but sadly, I do not find it surprising.

It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who will pay up to the same price for a small second-hand car for a bicycle, then fail to go that extra little more for a good lock. I have seen expensive bikes parked in Edinburgh with chains that even an amateur thief could be through in seconds.

Hardened steel 'D' locks are the greatest for security. But always buy a good brand from a reliable and trusted bicycle shop. Beware of cheap imitations.

And a little advice for using a 'D' lock. Find a solid, immovable object to lock your bike to, such as a traffic sign pole or a solid fence.

If there's a "Sheffield" cycle rack there, use it. Place the lock around the object, move your back wheel around so one end of the lock will go through it, with the other end round the seat post of the bicycle, then lock it, so that the wheel and seat post are enclosed in the lock. You should now find the lock to be almost immovable.

Do not use 'quick release' bolts for wheels and the saddle. If they are quick release for you, they are quick release for the thief.

Always remove anything which releases, such as lights and computers.

Leslie John Thomson, Moredunvale Green, Edinburgh

Road changes have produced chaos

I MAKE my way into Rose Street via Hanover Street two or three times a week.

I have always travelled up Hanover Street from Queen Street, over George Street into the south part of Hanover Street and into Rose Street. I wasn't too happy when all the diversions took place around these streets, also my arrow for turning right up Hanover from Queen Street was taken away.

I think there will be a nasty accident at this junction sometime soon, as, when the lights are at go (coming from the west) I move forward on to the yellow box and as my head is craning right, trying to see past oncoming traffic that is also turning right, I then can't see any traffic lights at all, as they have been taken away along with my arrow.

I might add that when the traffic lights have changed to red on my side the traffic lights on the other side of the road are still at go, which leaves me and others stranded on the yellow box not knowing whether to put the foot down and take the chance of hitting a pedestrian.

Mrs B Simpson, North Gyle Loan, Edinburgh

No justification for huge bus fare leap

LITTLE has been reported about the exorbitant increase of 20 per cent about to come into force for Lothian Buses travellers.

How are such increases justified when inflation is falling, fuel is cheaper and services are being cut? Is this the result of a council-owned monopoly with virtually no real competition?

John G Muir, Macdowall Road, Edinburgh

Time to show same concern for animals

I READ with interest of the intention of Live Nation to axe the Chinese dance and music show DPA because of concern of causing offence in China (Evening News, December 31).

It's a pity that they do not show the same consideration to theatre goers who enjoy opera and ballet but refrain from attending the Ellen Kent productions because of their distress as seeing animals and birds used for entertainment purposes.

Lilian Greig, Ardmillan Terrace, Edinburgh