Readers on the attack over waste

associated with Siol Nan Gailheal and the banner with which they have been associated, bearing the message ‘Tory Scum Out’. It was in evidence at the march.

In our local and general elections last year the Conservatives received a considerable share of the votes cast. Otherwise Stephen Kerr would not be our MP and there would not be the Conservative councillors in post.

Over recent months our MP’s constituency office has been targeted and during the election campaigns Conservative activists were also targeted and harangued.

We all need to endeavour never to use such divisive language, which could split our communities. We need to work towards building a civic society in Stirling that is open, tolerant and united.

Fayzan Rehman, by email

Stirling’s under-fire waste collection service had our readers talking.

Social media users responded to the story about Stirling Council waste collection service racking up a £494,000 overspend.

Brian Robertson said: “If we don’t pay Council Tax, there’s trouble. If the council overspends, should those in charge not be held accountable for wasting our money?”

Keiran Meiklejohn said: “Budget cuts are the reason of course but you’ve got to look at the bigger picture – Scottish Government is banking £453 million in surplus whilst basic, essential services suffer at council level.”

Alex Brown added: “Another waste of pubic money. If the council was a private company it would have closed down years ago; it hasn’t because it’s not their money so they aren’t accountable to shareholders.”

Teresa Gray posted: “They are needing to look at the amount being paid out on salaries and overtime.”