Letters: Simple way to close the funding gap for bridge

THE current difficulties of the Scottish Government regarding the funding of an additional road crossing of the Forth at Queensferry are easily solved – it isn't needed.

If built, it will not only result in many other more worthwhile projects being dropped or postponed throughout Scotland, but also in the failure of the Scottish Government to meet its own climate change objectives.

The drying of the main cables of the bridge is showing "encouraging" results – with FETA "confident" of being able to halt the corrosion at a level where traffic restrictions will not be necessary.

Even were cable drying to prove unsuccessful, then replacement or additional cables can be fitted over seven or eight years at a capital cost of between £91 million and £122m – and, according to a report to FETA in October, without the bridge having to be closed.

Working to resolve the problems of the existing bridge within easily available budgets should be the top priority.
Lawrence Marshall, Chair, ForthRight Alliance, Rose Street, Edinburgh

Row shows Scots need more powers
THE Forth bridge funding furore highlights the urgent need for the Scottish Government to be given the full borrowing and tax-raising powers of any normal government.

It is absolutely outrageous for the UK Treasury to claim that the Scottish Government cannot receive a credit crunch advance against future budgets to pay for the Forth Road Bridge when London's preferred PFI/ PPP method of finance has already lumbered future Scottish budgets with costs of up to £1 billion a year over the next 15 to 20 years.
Calum Stewart, Montague Street, Edinburgh

Use pension pot to pay 'sick note' cost
THE article 'Sick note' culture at council costs taxpayers £64 million (News, January 5) is a disgusting indictment of the employees of Edinburgh City Council. How many more "traffic management" farces or "independent" surveys would £64m pay for?

That's not to mention how much money would be saved if this cash were used to fund new school facilities instead of PPP/PFI rental agreements with our wonderful banking system.

Or we could have more traffic light crossings, just like the (still not finished) Portobello one, or maybe the holy grail – more bus lanes.

It's time this cash was paid from the council pension pot. That way those turning up for work might be more likely to deal with the culprits. Local authorities are full of employees who simply hide out waiting for the opportunity to tirelessly reject any chance of actually doing anything.

The wages and pension roll in regardless, so why bother with the hassle of doing anything? It just leads to bother if the rest of the gang catch you doing a bit.
John Byrn, Seventh Street, Newtongrange

Class makes cycling on the streets safer
AT first glance, that five cyclists have been killed in Edinburgh between 2001 and 2006 (City cycles to head of bike death league, News, January 5) puts the city in a bad light.

However, the Capital has one of the highest rates of cycling in Scotland and cycling on Edinburgh's streets is as safe as it ever has been.

Safe cycling is a life skill often learnt by many as schoolchildren, but many people take cycling classes as adults to help them learn skills to cycle safely in traffic.

Adult cycle training is widely available and the Bike Station, as an accredited cycle training centre, offers a variety of cycling lessons for all ages.

Anyone who feels unsure about cycling on the road should consider cycling classes so that they can enjoy the many benefits of cycling on a regular basis.

Ruairidh MacGlone, cycle training coordinator, The Bike Station, Causewayside, Edinburgh

The car is here to stay, so live with it
YOUR correspondent S Byrom wants Victoria Street closed to through traffic (Interactive, January 3). Where does the ripped-off motorist go from there? If it is closed then in that area there is no west-to-east route in the evening due to the ridiculous closure of the Cowgate after 10pm.

Candlemaker Row is for buses only, so Victoria Street is the only street left to access The Mound and all routes east.

Mr Byrom, the car is here to stay, learn to live with it. If you want peace and quiet, go and live deep in the countryside and you will be free of the combustion engine on a regular basis.

Edinburgh is supposed to be a major city in the world and the combustion engine is part of it. You cannot close every street.
V Radzynski, Colinton Mains Drive, Edinburgh

Acting up over 'racist' dog jibes
I'M most upset by comments on the News website stating that because I'm a Yorkie I should not represent Greyfriars Bobby during the One o'Clock Gun Association's re-enactment ceremony next year. If you don't mind me saying so, I think this amounts to racial discrimination.

I do not claim to be Greyfriars Bobby. I'll only be acting. Not being Scottish didn't prevent Mel Gibson from playing William Wallace.
Blue, official mascot, The One o'Clock Gun Association