Unpopular plan

A recent independent poll shows that only 35 per cent of people in Aberdeen are in favour of the City Garden Project, which is hell-bent on destroying Union Terrace Gardens (your report, 19 January).

This should not really come as a surprise to anyone, given that recent surveys carried out by the Friends of Union Terrace Gardens also showed a low percentage in favour.

I myself, in talking to friends and acquaintances in the city, found that only two are in favour.

I do not think many would disagree that the gardens are in need of a little bit of TLC, as is Hazlehead Park, but what is proposed is neither “tender”, nor “loving” nor “care”.

The chosen design, with its concrete walkways, resembles something borrowed from the set of a 1960s sci-fi film and would be completely at odds with its surroundings.

This project has not been driven by the citizens of Aberdeen, nor for that matter by the city councillors, but by business organisations such as Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future, along with the Aberdeen City Gardens Trust.

Perhaps therefore the poll results may also indicate that Aberdonians are becoming increasingly irritated by being continually told by “big business” what is best for the city. Time alone shall tell.

RT Smith

Braeside Terrace

Aberdeen