Lochee is the loser in this tale of two cities

Sir, – I am following two contrasting stories which highlight vested interests and the democratic deficit. Let me explain. Firstly, the West End traders’ frustration at the delay in getting their “branding identity “ready for the V&A opening (“West End community group leader hits out over ‘brand’ setbacks”, The Courier, February 5).

I like the West End, the streets are clean and the shops are always bustling with customers. The retailers are lucky they are well looked after by the council and their representatives are obviously well networked.

Contrast that with another story, the discarded litter in Lochee High Street (“‘Wake up call’ as work uncovers huge haul of litter on side of road”, The Courier, February 5.

None of the West End’s advantages apply to Lochee. Why?

Lochee has been allowed to die in plain sight, the non-collection of visible rubbish is one example. People’s self-respect has been trampled on by neglect.

Why was Lochee’s decline allowed to happen? I see evidence that the powers that be are embarrassed by Lochee, and everything it stood for.

For the record, Lochee people were the best examples of a working class community ever seen in this city. The men and women epitomised everything a community should be, but then betrayal and neglect took its toll.

Why should we allow two Dundees to co-exist? The vibrant, modern Dundee with technology and learning powering away, contrasted with Lochee, which can’t even support two chemist shops in the High Street.

The West End want a brand and Lochee people want their community back. Where should the efforts and resources be directed ?

I am a keen supporter of the V&A, it will transform the city, no doubt, but how will the economic, social and cultural benefits drag Lochee out of its death spiral?

I want to hear a more credible answer than the trickle-down economic theory, and buzzwords like ‘strategy’, ‘timescale’ and ‘outcomes’. This is more important than economic theory – kids’ futures depend on it.

I’m sure the West End traders will do just fine without the need for more gentrification. Lochee is waiting! Michael Garty. 43 Constitution Street, Dundee.

A correspondent notes that while the West End worries about branding, Lochee is neglected to the point that its High Street, pictured, can’t sustain two chemist shops.