Letters: Pool will make a big splash if pricing structures are fair

I WRITE with reference to the article on Edinburgh Leisure and the pricing structures it uses for its city-wide centres (Postcode lottery on gym fees, News, September 29)

It is only fair and correct that an appropriate pricing structure is in place depending on the facility and location and that these are reviewed annually.

It can only be hoped, though, that the same policy is in place when the revamped Royal Commonwealth Pool opens its doors to the public, as it would be very unfair on the people of Edinburgh and perhaps detrimental in the long run if would-be users of what should be a great state-of-the-art facility are put off by over-the-top prices.

Unlike the National Museum of Scotland, admission may not be free. However, if sensible prices are in place when the Royal Commonwealth Pool re-opens, it may prove to be just as popular.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Teenagers have right to their say

LAST week saw the Isle of Man hold its general election, returning members to the House of Keys.

What was heartening about this process was the fact that 16 and 17-year-olds on the island had the right to vote and actively engaged in this process.

At 16 and 17 a person in the UK can, among other things, leave school and enter work or training, pay income tax and National Insurance, get married or enter a civil partnership and join the armed forces.

However, they are still denied the vote.

Not only are 16 and 17-year-olds by law able to make complex decisions and take on wide-ranging responsibilities, they are also showing in practice that they want to make a positive difference.It is rather ironic that while 16 and 17-year-olds on an island off the UK coast in the middle of the Irish Sea are able to vote, those in the UK continue to be denied a similar right.

Alex Orr, Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh

Cancel Olympics to cut CO2 levels

Global emissions of man-made CO2 increased by 45 per cent between 1990 and 2010 and reached an all-time high of 33 billion tonnes in 2010.

This is shocking and the UK really must up its game despite only having two per cent of global emissions.

I suggest cancelling the Olympic Games.

Think of the CO2 savings.

No competitors, no backroom staff, no spectators flying in from all over the world importing nasty CO2.

No limousines, buses, taxis, cars clogging up the streets of London causing pollution.

In fact, we should ban all sporting activities since they are all CO2 intensive.

Golf, skiing, canoeing, mountain biking, hill walking, athletics, swimming, football, rugby and many others all require dirty, polluting private transport.

It is time to give up the pursuit of the unachievable, ignore politicians’ renewable rantings and the zealots’ green dreams and get back to economic reality.

Other countries are growing their economies and their CO2 emissions whilst Britain digs an even deeper renewable hole, draining our taxes and increasing our energy bills for a laughable 2.1 per cent heavily subsidised wind power.

But, of course, politicians can pretend to be saving the planet.

Clark Cross, Springfield Road, Linlithgow

Measures needed to calm traffic

A TRAFFIC-calming device would be worthwhile approaching Joppa from Musselburgh.

The merging of a favourite Promenade walkway and the main road from Portobello should proffer more than a traffic island to ensure safe passage towards a homebound bus stop or an alternative route home.

Horn tooters are not welcome, and why is a 20mph limit not imperative along the main street to Kings Road?

One aggressive motorist is more than the community needs and perhaps one life will be saved.

Bert McCall, John Street, Portobello