Removing bins won’t help in fouling fight
Dear Editor
The increased efforts by Stirling Council’s enforcement team to tackle dog fouling (Observer article “Inconsiderate dog owners face poo-tential fine” 10 Feb 2023) will be welcomed by all residents and responsible dog owners.
Whilst out in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan it is clear to me that there are issues. I was particularly shocked by the amount of dog fouling in Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan.
However, whilst walking my dog around Dunblane I have noticed that various street bins have been removed.
This cannot help the problem. I also see that the bin in the George Street playpark is now regularly overflowing as a result, which is particularly unpleasant for the parents of the young children using the park.
The Conservatives ran the 2022 council election campaign on the basis of improving bin services.
They must know there is an issue with dog fouling.
Now they are part of the coalition running the council with the Labour party the only change they have made is to remove street bins.
I cannot see why they think removing bins is cost effective or helpful to our local community.
Ahsan Khan
SNP candidate for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan by-election
Greenbeltthreat Dear Editor,
Applications to build on greenbelt are a recurring issue in our ward.
There is continual pressure from developers who want to build housing on the areas of greenbelt surrounding Bridge of Allan and Dunblane.
On behalf of both communities, Residents Against Greenbelt
Erosion, would like to ask all the candidates in the forthcoming by election what their views are on this. Kathy Pidgeon Secretary (Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion)
Heartfeltthanks Dear Editor,
As the area organiser for the Stirling area, I would like to thank all the residents and visitors for their kind donations in November for Remembrance Day.
The sum collected in the Stirling area was £17,716.52p, not as good as last year but considering the cost of living, well done.
I would also like to thank all my volunteers who collect in their own time with no reward and the supermarkets who allowed us into their shops.
I am still looking for volunteers for this year. If you are interested please phone 01786 609770.
James Mann via email
Following a budget meeting on Thursday, Stirling Council’s administration agreed plans to close a £17million funding gap in its latest budget.
The proposals put forward by the ruling Labour group - which have subsequently been given the green light - include a seven per cent rise in council tax, the scrapping of the free special uplifts for over 60s and changes to nursery provision in Fintry and Aberfoyle.
Other plans also included raising nursery fees for non-statutory childcare to £4,50 per hour and the closure of buildings including the Cowane Centre in Stirling.
Council leader Chris Kane said the cuts coming down the line in the budget were“horrendous and absolutely horrible”but said the only difference between Labour and SNP plans were“when the cuts will be made”.
After we posted an update online, readers on the Observer’s Facebook page had their say on the plans.
Neil Fenwick said:“an absolute disgrace!
“Less money in people’s pockets yet again to spend in the local economy and support the independent businesses.
“If the council was operating like a business then it would’ve been bust decades ago.
“There’s no accountability in the operation of this local authority apart from squeeze and squeeze until people have nothing left to give.”
Jane Smith added:“i would like a breakdown of exactly what my council tax covers?
“If anything it should be reduced just like the services we get are reduced.”
Sarah Jane Black wrote: “So why did they spend £100k+ on new Christmas lights and goodness knows how much on Hogmanay fireworks?”
Margaret M Bonis wrote: “Manufacturers of road cones and 20mph road signs have made a fortune!
“That is all that we see in Stirling; also cycle lanes, what about bus services, fixing potholes and cleaning up the area?
Callum Scott added:“a disgrace with continued mis-spending and wasted money - make the savings and avoid the council tax increase.”