Letters- The council has itself to blame for homes bid

In that report, you state that committee members felt they had no option because a Scottish Government Reporter had approved the site for housing.

I would draw their attention to the Reporter's conclusions. On page 166 of the Reporter's Examination it states: “However, the council's roads officials have confirmed that a scheme proposed by the prospective developer would be acceptable in principle. On that basis I conclude that the allocation of the site at Kirkton Farm is not inappropriate in relation to road access.”

Perhaps the council only has itself to blame.

Gordon S. Hendry

Greyfriars, Darleith Road, Cardross

This is an open letter to the person who handed in my laptop.

On Thursday, January 26, I was travelling on the eight o'clock 316 bus from Helensburgh Station when I absent-mindedly got off at my stop without my laptop.

You were also on that particular bus and with sharp awareness, admirable concern and tremendous character, you handed my laptop to the driver.

While the loss of an uninsured laptop would have caused a fair amount of inconvenience and a financial headache, the cost of losing the sole remaining photo of a dear departed four-legged friend, held in the pocket of the case, would have been immeasurable.

As such, I wish to extend infinite thanks to yourself, the driver and the depot manager in your efforts to reunite me with a most treasured possession.

Your actions are a testament to the fine manners of Helensburgh and have enticed me to ensure that such altruism is replicated in kind throughout my future encounters with strangers.

I truly hope that 2017 is a happy and fortuitous year for you and yours.

Simon Bate,

via email

Further to Cllr Vivien Dance’s recent claim that ‘three of the main parties’ have approached her in the past to stand as a candidate, and the subsequent letter from the Liberal Democrats distancing themselves from her assertion, I feel compelled to offer clarity on behalf of the Labour Party.

I therefore wish to make it absolutely clear that Cllr Dance has never been invited to represent Labour in any election and nor has she been a member of the Dumbarton Constituency Labour Party.

As a member of the SNP she should surely nail her colours to the mast and, in the interests of transparency, stand for the SNP at the election.

Duncan Robinson

Secretary, Dumbarton Constituency Labour Party

I cannot help feeling that Donald Trump's 'Mexican Wall' will be completed before construction of the cycle path between Helensburgh and Cardross is even started.

Archie Westwood

Cardross

Can anyone trust a word the Scottish Tory leader says these days?

Before the vote on independence Ruth Davidson promised that voting "No means we stay in" the EU. Well that's patently not true any more.

Before the vote on EU membership she said that the case for Brexit was based on "lies"; that it was based on “fantasy economics” and families ‘couldn’t afford’ it; and that thousands of Scottish jobs were “reliant on the exports we sell within the EU”. Now she claims it is an ‘opportunity’!

I'd understand if she said we would have to make the best of a bad decision, but to now claim that something that was "lies" is an "opportunity" is beyond credible.

Then, after the Brexit vote, she said she wanted the UK to stay in the European single market, even if it meant having to accept free movement. Now she supports not being in that single market!

Now, with council elections approaching she is attacking council tax changes she claimed only last year were her party's policy!

How can anyone trust what they would do in power with such wildly changing positions?

Not even unionists can trust her. She was elected with the promise that the Tories would “oppose any attempt” for a second independence referendum. But by July she was saying any second referendum ‘should not be blocked’.

With such wildly changing views and breaches of promise can anyone trust their vote to a party led by someone who will just change their position once elected?

It's like they arrogantly think they can say anything to the people of Scotland and the people of Scotland will just accept it.

Andrew Stuart

Norfolk Court, Glasgow

As World Cancer Day (February 4) approaches, I would remind readers that Cancer Research UK (CRUK) - a household name with shops on many high streets - continues to carry out animal research, which is cruel and unreliable.

Animal Aid has previously highlighted and condemned horrific experiments on mice that were financially supported by CRUK.

Cancer research using animals is not only condemned by Animal Aid, but also by scientists across the globe.

Azra Raza, professor of medicine and director of the MDS Centre, Columbia University, New York, stated: "An obvious truth that is either being ignored or going unaddressed in cancer research is that mouse models do not mimic human disease well and are essentially worthless for drug development."

Animal Aid would urge readers to boycott events fundraising for CRUK and to consider CRUK's animal research policy when making out your will.

A gift left in the spirit of benevolence can, if given to charities that fund animal research, result in a legacy of suffering.

To find out more about Animal Aid's campaign ‘Don't leave a legacy of Suffering', please visit our website: http://www.victimsofcharity.org/legacy-of-suffering/.

You can order a free pocket guide showing which charities fund animal experiments by phoning 01732 364 546 or emailing info@animalaid.org.uk

Jessamy Korotoga

Anti-Vivisection Campaign Manager, Animal Aid

THERE has been much speculation as to the likely relationship between the UK and European countries after Brexit.

There have been some worries that the EU might offer us a 'punishing' deal to stop us or others leaving.

That would be illegal under the UN Charter, which bans any kind of bullying against the right to self-determination.

European leaders have recently given assurances that they will work with us towards a 'smooth Brexit' and that negotiations will not be aggressive.

The joint commitment to balanced, fair and free trade is established policy which bodes well for the future.

It supports agreements made by the world's leading economies (G20, World Trade Organization) that trade blocs should be about increasing trade and not to raising barriers to trade or causing adverse effects for others.

Brexit is not about cutting ourselves off from the world, rather it is about is about leaving an outdated political union to become a good neighbour.

Mark Taylor

Campaign Manager, New Alliance

I am always humbled when I hear stories about the men and women of the Royal Air Force and the sacrifices they have made.

Without their bravery we would not enjoy the freedom we have today, and I think it’s important that we do all that we can to thank them. That’s why I’m supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund and its Great British Sunday Lunch fundraiser, taking place across the country on Sunday 2 April.

The charity is calling on us to gather together over our much cherished Sunday lunch to raise funds for its important work, while celebrating and remembering all those who serve or have served in the RAF.

Your support will ensure the RAF Benevolent Fund can continue to be there for the whole RAF family when they need it most, from the youngest child on an RAF station to World War Two veterans.

I do hope your readers will join me this year in supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund. You can find out more and sign up to hold your own event at www.rafbf.org/gbsl. What better excuse to bring family, friends and communities together to enjoy a slap-up meal?

Dame Barbara Windsor

On behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund