Letters: We need reassurance over safety of nuclear plants

With the worrying news that levels of radiation apparently from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan have been detected in Scotland, will the government take it upon itself to reassure the public that there is no risk to health whatsoever and that all that can be done is being done to make the nuclear industry in this country as safe as is possible?

The people of Edinburgh themselves, since they live not too far away from a nuclear power plant, might be entitled to feel a little bit more alarmed than most, but once again the relevant authorities should be able to allay any fears they might have.

Japan may for years to come endure the damaging consequences of its recent disaster but the rest of the world, especially those countries which generate nuclear power, can in no way afford to be complacent.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Bus pass holders welcome aboard

MJ Brown feels that seniors with free passes should contribute to the cost of their journey (Interactive, March 30).

All bus firms do receive a substantial retrospective payment from Transport Scotland for each and every passenger. That's why their bus pass is zapped by the driver each time they board. Why the public are not allowed to know this financial amount does seem wrong.

More seniors with passes travelling by bus would be very welcome news indeed to all bus companies.

Colin C Maclean, Hillpark Avenue, Edinburgh

Traffic upgrade worth saluting

ON Wednesday pupils from Tollcross Primary School, cyclists and myself met at Edinburgh Quay to highlight the benefits of improvements to the Fountainbridge/Gardner's Crescent junction.

Many of those present noted the major impact the work has already made in making it a safer, easier and more attractive place to walk or cycle through.

I'd recommend a trip along that way to readers, perhaps as an alternative to driving in to the city, or simply for the pleasure of the journey along the canalside.

Despite what Gordon Buchan may argue (News, March 14), I believe that making our city safer and easier to get around for walkers and cyclists, as well as cars and buses, is something worth the 15 spent on "celebrating" the completion of this important link.

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, Convener of Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee

Nationalists are the only solution

HAVING been a lifelong supporter of the Labour movement, it makes me cringe to listen to Ed Miliband's weak rhetoric as opposition leader. The same problem exists in Scotland with Iain Gray.

Meanwhile, the coalition government is not in touch with the problems facing this country. There are more millionaires in parliament making decisions on our future who have never experienced hardships in their lives and even now in these difficult times never will.

The only solution is for every Scotsman and woman to vote SNP, become an independent nation and run our own affairs.

There is only one problem - the electorate, whose apathy will no doubt raise its ugly head on voting day.

Jimmy Balfour, Northfield Farm Avenue, Edinburgh

Hazards in way of old and disabled

I OFTEN wonder if "Clarence" who does the roadworks in our fair city ever considers blind people when he's doing his pavement/roadworks.

Those barrier fences serve their purpose to stop people falling into holes. But all too often these big fences come with big feet jutting out, perilous if you're not looking, but downright dangerous if you're blind, old or disabled.

The section between Northfield and Meadowbank is particularly bad and I often think it must be hard enough getting around when you're blind without the sudden hazards of bent bollards, fences with big feet and rubbish.

BS Ferguson, Pirniefield Bank, Edinburgh