Let's see a probe into permission for monstrosity

JOHN BYROM says that planners have shown poor judgement over the proposed giant hotel for Haymarket (Letters, August 5). Isn't there a real quandary here with our planners?

They propose to allow a 17-storey hotel to be built, yet I recall them forcing "Beanscene" to remove insignificant copper lampholders from above their shop frontage in Holyrood Road, where there are not two buildings with the same architectural style or heritage, because they did not fit in with the surroundings in a heritage site.

Shouldn't we question what powerful force "persuaded" our planners to grant their approval for this latest blot-to-be on Edinburgh's skyline?

And, shouldn't a public inquiry not only be about whether to finally allow this architectural monstrosity to be built, but also into the conduct of the planners responsible for the decision, and the councillors who granted their approval to it?
Jim Taylor, The Murrays Brae, Edinburgh

Charges hit wrong note with buskers
INTO the first week of the Fringe and many buskers and street performers are expressing concerns over the organisation of their rotas and performance timings. This has been exacerbated because of the money being charged to allow them to perform.

I have spoken to a few over two days, some who have much experience of the High Street.

Rumours are starting up that some may leave because of these difficulties.

This year is by far the worst they have experienced; many are bitter because of the initial charge which has reaped no benefit.
Tom Reilly, Esslemont Road, Edinburgh

Farmers are living a life of luxury
ON reading MEP Struan Stevenson's letter on August 2 I had to reply. Farmers and the NFU would still complain if money trees grew in their fields! Firstly, banning so called "safe" herbicides ie weed killer. Safe they say? You ask the farmer to drink the liquid from his sprayer, even diluted, go on try some ... I think not!

I've just moved from the country to Edinburgh. Poor farmers, I don't think so ... they live a life of luxury, helped by the subsidies paid from our taxes. They will complain whether it be rain or dry weather, any problems occur they will be bailed out by the Government! OK, they work hard but don't we all?

Farmers will spray crops with anything as long as they grow faster or fatter for more cash. Land management my foot! As for rising fuel costs, they have been allowed to use much cheaper red diesel unlike haulage companies etc for years.

Ban the pesticides, bring back the ladybirds!
Mr D Robertson, Broomside Terrace, Edinburgh

Fighting superbugs a priority for NHS
I AM writing to register my concern over your article "Superbugs linked to 375 deaths in Lothians hospitals", published on July 25.

Fighting Healthcare-Associated Infection is a corporate priority for NHS Lothian.

Readers should realise that the total given here refers to a timeframe of seven full years. In that time period, people over 60 – the group most susceptible to C Diff, which is a side-effect of treatment given for other serious illnesses – will have spent just under 7 million days and nights in Lothian's hospitals.

We have reviewed a number of cases in 2008 and found that over two-thirds of death certificates referring to C Diff contained information that might mislead.

Junior doctors are now receiving additional support over the process of completing death certificates.

I would like to thank your readers for helping to us prevent these infections by using the many gel points and handwashing facilities provided when visiting hospital.
Dr Alison McCallum, director of public health and health policy, NHS Lothian

Give us some flags . . nice heavy ones
I STRONGLY approve of Edinburgh City Council's plan to spend £1.3 million on flags – the kind used on the occasionally dangerous pavements around the city, definitely not the kind that flutter in the breeze!
David J Mackay, Camus Avenue, Edinburgh

Time for rules to go out window
HAVING been reacquainted with the daily commute during Edinburgh Festival time may I suggest the Tourist Agencies issue a free leaflet to visitors entitled "Suspension of Pedestrian Responsibilities for the Duration of the Festival".

The key points are:

• Red and green signals on traffic lights may be ignored. It is acceptable to wait for the red man to appear before crossing.

• When traversing a busy thoroughfare it is recommended the crossing takes no less than 45 seconds.

• If reproached by a local motorist, politely remind him that as you are on holiday you are therefore immune to any effects of collision, and that the evasive action he has just taken was therefore unnecessary.
Vince Macari, Oxgangs Road, Edinburgh