Don’t waste money on white elephant

Sir, – In relation to the quite astonishing prospect of the white elephant Aberdeen beach cycle lanes being resurrected, I concur wholeheartedly with the views expressed by Bill Melvin. In particular, the fact that these were seldom used, even in the cycle-frenzy days of the first lockdown.

I’m sure with a local election looming our politicians will be sensitive to anything resembling a flagrant waste of precious council funding, as that is precisely what this ludicrous suggestion would amount to.

These lanes were, no doubt, implemented in demonstration of a concern for the environment. However, someone should really have monitored for unintended and quite ironic consequences. In particular, the completely unused cycle lanes on the Esplanade stretch in front of the beach cafes, etc, and the consequential and ridiculous one-way system for traffic which has forced all northbound traffic on to Links Road. The tailbacks emanating from this result in stationary cars spewing out their fuel emissions on a road which is adjacent to a children’s amusement facility. Quite incredible!

Cyclists are, of course, legitimate stakeholders when it comes to matters relating to our beach facility.

However, they are a tiny minority when compared with the hundreds of joggers, walkers, water sports enthusiasts and young families who routinely frequent the area. Ewan Sutherland, Braehead Way, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.