Letters: Underhand tactics have to be kicked into touch

Your story regarding possible collusion between Edinburgh City Council and Edinburgh Accies does concern me (News, April 24).

I do realise that internal inquiries have taken place, but once more a statement has been issued, after serious allegations have been made, where the council is investigating itself.

I have had sight of related paperwork which does suggest bad administration and at worst collusion, but all this evidence appears to have been brushed off as though it never existed.

We as a group are pro rugby and keen that there is a development on Raeburn Place, not the one submitted as this is far too large and unnecessary, but one which could be accepted by local people and which deals with the Accies’ justifiable needs. The picture in the story, supplied by the developer, taken with a wide angle lens, is deceiving and designed to create a false impression of the proposal.

Like any other major development there are two schools of thought – those for and those against. It is the unenviable task for the planners to establish the correct facts, look at the legal aspects, listen to the local views and determine what is best for the community and local environment.

This can only work satisfactorily if all parties are honest and open. Underhand, unethical or dishonest practices will never succeed and can only cause huge resentment within the community.

I am pleased that the council is to review its policy on dealing with these applications, but am saddened that so many in the past might have been blighted by bad management or biased views.

Bruce Thompson, chairman of Save Stockbridge, Comely Bank Place, Edinburgh

School closure plans were short-sighted

I WELCOME the news that the city council is planning to build the first new primary school in Edinburgh since the 1970s (News, April 26).

The issue of crowded schools is something that will only get worse as Edinburgh’s population continues to rise, with the latest estimates predicting 600,000 will be resident here in just 20 years’ time.

The move to build a new primary in the Morningside area shows that the previous closure programme for city schools was rather short-sighted. Granted, the rolls had fallen but with green and brown belt land seemingly ripe for development in all corners of the Capital, it won’t be long before there is similar demand for places in schools such as Clermiston and East Craigs, which have had to accommodate pupils from the closed Drumbrae Primary.

Mr A Jamieson, Burnbrae, East Craigs, Edinburgh

Thatcher did what she thought was right

No doubt the funeral of the late Baroness Margaret Thatcher was a grand but sad and sombre occasion as there were divided opinions of her.

The protesters who hated her and celebrated her death ought to be deeply ashamed of themselves. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing but, sadly, many could not find it in their hearts to do so.

No matter what Mrs Thatcher did, she was a strong-willed woman who did what she thought was right.

Mrs June Fleming, Hercus Loan, Musselburgh

Private cash can help Royal Mail deliver

In response to claims that privatisation could wreck our postal service, I wanted to point out to that in 2011, Parliament passed the Postal Services Act. It set a framework for private investment in Royal Mail.

Private investment will still allow Royal Mail to continue to deliver a six-days-a-week service at a uniform price across the country.

Royal Mail has an opportunity to grow. While we all now send fewer letters, the growth in online retailing has meant an increase in the number of parcels. We are in a strong position to meet this demand. We already have the largest UK delivery network and we are one of the most trusted companies in the UK, but we need to make significant investment to stay ahead of the competition.

The UK Government’s financial position means that this investment must come from the private sector.

Private investment will allow Royal Mail to grow our parcels business. This in turn will help us to continue to deliver the Universal Service.

The Act sets out very clearly the requirements. They will continue to apply after any sale. These include a uniform, affordable tariff for postal services across the UK – including rural and remote areas – as well as six-days-a-week collection and delivery. Royal Mail has amongst the highest service specifications of any major European country. These would also apply were Royal Mail to be sold.

The finances of Royal Mail have been transformed in recent years and we now make a good profit. That matters. It enables us to continue to provide a high quality rural postal service.

There is a brighter future for Royal Mail and we are ready to deliver it.

Paul Kelly, Royal Mail delivery director, Cultins Road, Edinburgh

Repeat’s sake! One Bourne every minute

Are you, like me, fed up seeing the same old films repeated constantly on TV? I’m sure you and your readers can name a few of the worst offenders, films such as Uncle Buck, The Full Monty and the The Karate Kid.

It has become so bad recently that baby Charlotte, bless her, has seen The Bourne Identity three times already.

Mr K Wilson, Middle Norton, Edinburgh