Social isolation

I READ with interest your article relating to the “mini-Holland” scheme in central Glasgow.

As an economist who taught at Glasgow University for many years I very much welcome the investment in our economic infrastructure via the City Deal.

However, as a long-term resident of Glasgow who is blind, I feel the need to raise a concern about the scheme.

It is extremely important that blind and partially sighted people feel safe when out on the streets. Manoeuvring around everyday streets is often one of the most daunting of experiences for the visually impaired and if main thoroughfares are considered too dangerous then blind people are likely to stay at home rather than leading independent lives within the community, leading to increased social isolation, dependency and loneliness.

Streetscapes which incorporate cycle lanes need to be designed so that blind and partially sighted people are able to cross them without the fear of being inadvertently hit by a cyclist.

The design of “mini-Holland” and similar schemes must be truly accessible otherwise the confidence of Glasgow’s blind and partially sighted people and their ability to live full and independent lives will be severely impaired.

Terry Moody. Blind Resident, Glasgow

No demand

REGARDING the seizure of properties in Govanhill associated with slum landlords.

The value of properties in the area of have collapsed over the last few years. The state of disrepair of these properties is so bad that to bring them up to the most basic of standards, is far more costly than their worth.

Also there is no demand to buy these properties and even if there was you cannot get a mortgage on them. So they are worthless to the landlords.

So now, Glasgow City Council is going to pay the market value for these worthless flats to repossess them, thus bailing out the slum landlords. The landlords see it as manna from heaven. The council tax payer is being fleeced to reward slum landlords.

John McHugh, Glasgow

Taking advantage

SO much for terrorism not changing our way of life.

Armed police on the streets and more and more surveillance of the public.

It is changing us, the Government is taking advantage of this situation and using it for their advantage to spy on us all.

Stores are taking advantage, with random bag searches, to help in the fight against shoplifting. More excuses will follow, until we have biometric I.D cards, face recognition, cashless society and microchips. A very intended consequence.

Carol Daly, Glasgow