READERS’ LETTERS

Sir, – Having read the article by Councillor James Coyle in your November 30 edition, I would like to point out to the Councillor that due to the lack of proper monitoring of footpaths and roads, in particular cul-de-sacs, in past years it has fallen to more able bodied neighbours to do the council’s work for them.

I am sure I speak for all who do look out for our older neighbours. We do not, Councillor Coyle, try to pass the buck for the council’s inadequacy. – Yours etc.,

JAMES CAMPBELL

via e-mail

Ring road

a car park

Sir, – I witnessed this morning with dismay and disbelief that the Carrickstone ring road has once again become a car park.

Brought to a halt by one vehicle performing a five point turn from its “parking space” and then playing flash the headlights with the other unfortunate motorist trying to use this road from the other direction, I wondered just what if anything can be done by the council or even the police about this. No doubt it will not be long before the main roads also are down to single track amplifying the problem so what can/should be done? Do the people that do this not realise just what an inconvenience not to say hazard this causes for all? My guess is they probably do, but just don’t care. Possibly the prospect of an emergency vehicle trying to get to one of their loved ones may make the penny drop, but I doubt it. School buses, delivery vans etc. they’ll all just have to deal with it too I suppose.

And how are gritters and ploughs expected to keep the roads clear and safe if they can’t access them? By forming this conga line of selfishness on a daily basis half the road immediately becomes untreatable, especially if, as noted last winter, some of the cars “parked” never actually move! – Yours etc.,

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

via e-mail

The perfect

candidate

Sir, – I was really pleased to see the story in last week’s paper about my school friend Stephanie Muir being selected to stand as a Labour candidate for the council election.

It’s great to see a new generation of people stepping up and getting involved in Cumbernauld – people say that young people don’t care about politics but they’re wrong. Stephanie’s lived here her whole life, and she can speak up for the positive difference that can be made to people’s lives day-to-day.

I know Stephanie will do an excellent job for the ward. Steph, you’ve got my vote! – Yours etc.,

DAVID MCCALLUM

via e-mail

Bring a child

festive magic

Sir, – The NSPCC is reminding people in North Lanarkshire that there is still time to add some extra magic to a child’s Christmas this year by ordering a Letter from Santa.

The charity’s annual fundraising campaign gives family and friends the chance to nominate a special child to receive a personalised letter from Santa, for a suggested donation of £5.

Sarah Morley, NSPCC Scotland community fundraising manager, said: “This year’s Letter from Santa campaign has already raised an amazing amount of money for our services and helplines, which includes our ChildLine service for children and young people.

“But our elves still have more magical letters they can send to local children so please get your orders in before December 18.

“By making a donation when arranging for a child or newborn baby to receive a personalised letter from Santa, people will be helping to make sure ChildLine volunteers are there to support young people whenever they need us - including over the Christmas period.”

Over the 12 days of Christmas last year (December 24, 2010 to January 5, 2011) ChildLine’s volunteer counsellors in Scotland answered over 3900 contacts from children and young people across the UK and Channel Islands via telephone, email and one-to-one chats.

One person contacted the service saying: “I just want someone to chat to really as I have no-one with me this Christmas. Mum and dad are working today and I want to cry and feel angry.

“I just want someone to say Happy Christmas to me and give me a present, but I have had nothing. I just don’t wanna be alone.”

Another young person posted a message on the ChildLine website: “I was really looking forward to Christmas. We started putting up the decorations today but whilst we were putting them up my Mum got annoyed and started swearing at my Dad and said she hated Christmas. My Dad is an alcoholic and I am thinking about running away.”

Sarah continued: “The ChildLine service is available for young people 365 days a year, which is why we are aiming to raise £1.6 million through Letter from Santa to help make sure we can continue to be there for all children and young people whenever and however they need us.”

To arrange for a child or newborn baby to receive a personalised letter from Santa in time for Christmas, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/santa or phone the local NSPCC fundraising team on 0844 892 0212. Orders can be placed online and by telephone until Sunday, December 18. Any order placed by post must be received by Friday, December 16. Letters will be sent out until December 19. Order leaflets can also be found in stores including SPAR, Debenhams, Thorntons, and Rowlands Pharmacy.

To find out more about supporting the NSPCC’s work with children and families in Scotland visit www.nspcc.org.uk/scotland Join us on facebook www.facebook.com/nspccscotland or follow us on Twitter @NSPCC_Scotland. – Yours etc.,

NSPCC