Readers' Best Comments

A 7m project is set to test the anchorages of the Forth Road Bridge to check their condition.

There is some special magic that goes on when prices for public works are calculated. This article appears to be saying that the inspection of anchorages alone will cost 7 million. I'd love to see a breakdown of that cost because, expensive though boring equipment is, and time-consuming though the process might be, how the hell can you spend 7m on it?

Duncan in Edinburgh

Just as well we pay toll charges to cover the cost then isn't it . . . what? you mean we don't . . . who's stupid idea was that?

me150

Unfortunately, by hastily abolishing the tolls the SNP have written a blank cheque on behalf of the electorate that could cost us hundreds of millions – all for the sake of a few transient votes in Fife. Suddenly a 1 toll in one direction only doesn't sound like such a bad deal, and at least the people who actually use the thing would pay for its upkeep.

Heretic

The council is planning to create new parks and allotments and open up under-used green spaces in a new "open space strategy".

There used to be lots of green space at Meggetland, (owned by the people of Edinburgh) before the Labour council sold it off for 200,000 shoebox flats. And the Eastern cemetery is privately owned and run and can use its own money for any upkeep.

PJ1970

Haymarket residents don't have access to open space within 400 metres except for the open space that is the Morrison street car park – soon to be built up to house two further hotels in an area already saturated with hotels. How does that fit into the open space plans?

Mibc

Yep, maybe if the council weren't so quick to allow development on open land, we could have more green spaces in the city.

digestive biscuits V

Firstly, the council doesn't have the money to do this, it's pie in the sky dreaming. Developers don't have the money to do this either. Secondly, South Edinburgh completely misses out again, 48 years we've been waiting on a simple library.

Rugal

Is this the same council that is going to build a school on green space at Portobello Golf Course?

gus1940

Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas says the rebuilding of Tynecastle's main stand will now be more straightforward without additional commercial development.

If there's anything in this (and we need to reserve judgement until the new stand is actually built), it's good news. Spending 51m was total pie in the sky and was never going to happen. If Romanov can fund a new 10,000 seat stand taking the capacity to around 23,000 that would fantastic. If it's going to add to the club's already unsustainable 30m-plus debts, forget it.

Newcastle Jambo

For almost three years now we have been hearing about a grand stadium with fantastic commercial facilities, which never materialised. Now we are talking about a watered down version with no commercial add-ons.

Lets be honest, this won't happen any time soon either.

Johnny Jambo