Public transport . . unless you're a new mother

THE government is urging people to get out of their cars and use public transport. I am a new mum and in utter despair with Edinburgh transport.

Getting out the house with a young baby is hard enough without extra obstacles. I was about to get on the 26 bus when I was declined entry. I simply couldn't believe it.

I was informed that there is now a no-prams policy.

Ironically my wee bundle of joy was actually secured in a car seat on the chassis of a pram, but seemingly that wasn't acceptable.

At first I though the driver was having a joke, albeit in bad taste. He then explained it was on the grounds of health and safety.

He then proceeded to show me the written guidance from Lothian Buses.

I then contacted Lothian Buses. Seemingly buggies are fine.

I could not, however, get a clear explanation as to why they are OK and other travel systems are not. They have advised me they will be in touch once they have received clarification around this policy.

I am a new mum. I don't drive – how can I get around the city without public transport?

I guess I will just have to sit in the house and wait for a resolution.
Caroline Burgess, Craigmount Avenue North, Edinburgh

Less say in Europe than Luxembourg
I AM surprised that no Scottish newspaper reported the fact that on July 9 Labour and Tory MPs at Westminster voted to reduce Scotland's representation in Europe from seven MEPs to six.

It has obviously escaped our Westminster MPs' attention that Scotland has distinctive business, civic, legal, political and religious institutions which are not adequately supported in Europe.

We are now in the ludicrous position whereby Luxembourg, with a population much less than Edinburgh now has the same number of MEPs as Scotland.

If Scotland was independent we would have similar representation as Denmark with 15 MEPs to represent our interests in Europe and we cannot rely on Westminster to look after Scotland's interests.
Paul Cavanagh, Southhouse Square, Edinburgh

Decision is the right one for community
DAVID FIDDIMORE'S letter (July 15) provides an opportunity to give another perspective on Caltongate.

People held differing views on the project and Mr Fiddimores's perspective is hardly in a monopoly. His use of emotive language highlights the need for a mechanism for resolving the very different views held. That mechanism is ultimately provided in the Planning Committee, which has the task of making a decision.

For my part, I noted the evidence carefully and spent time assessing the issues involved – and came to a quite different conclusion from Mr Fiddimore – and voted for the project to go ahead.

Not everyone in my ward voted for me to be their councillor. But their differing views were resolved by the predetermined system – which is our form of democracy. So it was with Caltongate. A majority of those charged with the decision voted for it.

I have seen nothing since taking the decision to suggest it was anything other than the right one for the local community as a whole and for the city.

In due course the electors in my ward can make their judgement on my decisions.
Cllr Cameron Rose, Planning Committee, Edinburgh Council

Yanks nearly had him joining ranks
MOST interested to read the letter by John Dick re the American Marine detachment in the 1958 military tattoo (News, July 9).

Having been dragged into national service with the KOSB and then "volunteered" to present arms as the performers crossed the drawbridge at the Castle for the princely sum of 1/6d per day, I must admit that the Americans were a revelation.

They all seemed to be made from the same mould with white plastic tops on their hats (no runny white blanco in the rain), chrome bayonets and wonderful drill display. They were only matched that year by the magnificent Gurkha contingent.

What a pity the film made is not available as the public showed their appreciation with tremendous applause and made me think about signing on, but only for about two minutes.
Ian Cameron, Mayburn Crescent, Loanhead

Growing with pride at Square
I HAVE visited and spent time in the recently opened public space at St Andrew Square on more than a dozen occasions. The landscaping is coming into its own, the ambience is tranquil and it is great to see so many people enjoying the space.

In the past there has been some negative comment about the council's attitude to parks. All I can say is that from my recent experience the council are doing a good job. Here in Portobello we have a new community garden, at a not considerable cost and at least three more new parks are planned in the next three or four years.

It is too much to say that the city is perfect, but we should give credit when and where its is due.
Stephen McIntyre, Portobello High Street, Edinburgh