Letters: World Heritage-class repairs beyond reach of most of us

Christine Foster's tragic death from falling masonry outside Ryan's Bar in the West End in June 2000 prompted a commendable response from the council. All buildings over a certain age were inspected and statutory powers employed to ensure public safety – a project in the public interest.

However, is it reasonable to expect ordinary citizens to totally foot the bill for "World Heritage standard" repairs?

My tenement has been and is still subject to a statutory notice. I am looking at a bill which amounts to almost half my annual salary on repairs over which I have had no practical control and which are seemingly guaranteed for only 12 months. So much for qualification and accreditation!

I know I am not alone. I look at a city covered with scaffolding and tarpaulins and know there must be hundreds like me, of very modest means, dreading the day the final invoice arrives.

The council charges an "arrangement fee" for organising the tradesmen. They may indeed take great care in selecting the workforce but none seems to be exercised in bringing a project in on time. Our works had an approximate five-week lull while we "waited for a stonemason" – in the middle of the biggest building industry recession for more than 20 years!

This isn't over. The cherry pickers were out again this weekend. Be alert. You may be next.

Hayley Griffin, Leith

Wave of support brings new baths

WITH the re-opening of Glenogle Baths, let's celebrate the fact that "people power" works. When the Evening News published my letter in February 2007 about the council's plans to sell off the pool, I had no idea of the outpouring of support which would follow.

More than 8,500 people signed a petition to Edinburgh City Council asking it to re-consider.

Many thanks also for the ongoing backing of the News, to CBC Ltd and project manager, Craig Blair who have built a beautiful centre, and to Linda Wilson, the secretary of the Save Glenogle Baths campaign, whose doggedness was unsurpassed. All credit to the council for recognising the strength of public feeling and for finding the funds for the refurbishment. We now have a wonderful facility for our community.

Marjorie Mantle, chair, Save Glenogle Baths campaign

Pension fund is a separate entity

EITHER Andrew Burns does not let the truth get in the way of his attempts to score political points or he cannot understand the very simplest of matters. (6.4m pension pot for council bosses, News, 28 June). No frontline services have ever been cut to pay the pensions of staff.

The pension fund is a separate entity from the council. The officers in question have the same rights and terms as every other member of staff.

It is interesting to note that Andrew's comments are quite at odds with the position taken by John Ross of UNISON. Indeed, Andrew was present at the Joint Consultative Group Meeting earlier this week when John complimented me on my reported remarks.

Phil Wheeler (Cllr), convener: Finance and Resources Committee, Edinburgh City Council

These questions need answered

MIGHT it be possible for TIE to offer a detailed answer to the following questions please?

What are the plans to manage the flow of traffic westbound on Princes Street at the foot of The Mound directly outside our National Gallery, where the newly laid tram line takes up the entire space of the westbound carriageway?

Where and how exactly are trams to be turned if they terminate, as is now being suggested, at York Place?

And what effect is such manoeuvring expected to have on all other traffic flow in the area?

David Williamson, Haddington Place, Edinburgh