Letters: We must ask ourselves if fireworks are worth the risk

The fireworks display which went badly wrong (News, November 6) is another reminder of how dangerous and unpredictable fireworks can be, and as a result of this near disaster perhaps there should be some sort of safety review of these events.

There can be no denying the pleasure and thrills that fireworks can bring and they are a noisy and colourful addition to any celebration. But when things go wrong and the safety of people and pets is compromised, are the risks worth it?

Handled properly, fireworks are perfectly safe most of the time and I’m certainly not suggesting some sort of ban on either fireworks or bonfire night because that wouldn’t work. But in view of the injuries and anxiety that can be caused, maybe we should question our use and need for fireworks.

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Regardless of how much caution is exercised if you want to play with fire you have to be prepared to get your fingers burnt.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Open bowling up to schoolchildren

YOU are right about quite a lot of bowling clubs losing members as they are getting older and it is a shame (News, November 6).

Why not send fliers to the primary schools that are in close proximity to some of the council bowling greens?

I don’t know about other council greens but Victoria Park has well cared for greens with two or three primary schools close by. It might work and surely it is worth trying to get youngsters interested. I’m sure there could be some volunteer bowlers who would be happy to help out.

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I am not a competitive bowler but I enjoy getting out in the fresh air and having a laugh and “putting the world to right” with the other bowlers who turn up at my wee club.

In fact we have a primary school close by and occasionally the children from the afterschool club have a ‘roll-up’ and the members and kids all seem to enjoy themselves.

Linda Millar, Edinburgh

Arm unemployed with snow shovels

SNOW shovels are to be made available to keep city streets clean (News, October 31).

What about giving shovels to those that claim dole, those who have never worked and methadone addicts?

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The addicts can collect their methadone daily – so what’s to stop them working for their drugs?

The elderly can’t be expected to clear paths and roads under snow.

G Banks, Sighthill Gardens, Edinburgh

Clear the smears and give policies

WE have now learnt that Labour’s Denis McShane (or should it be McShame?), was fiddling his expenses over a period of years (and apparently can’t be prosecuted).

Not so long ago, Vince Cable boasted that he could “bring down the Government”. (He is still there . . . I’m not sure about the Government)

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Yet Ruth Davidson and Johann Lamont, aided and abetted by the sycophantic Willie Rennie, have chosen to ignore those grossly offensive actions, and, instead attempt to smear our First Minister for an alleged “porky pie”. When will they abandon their fruitless smear campaign, funded by us, the tax payers, and at least try to come up with just one progressive policy, or, better still, raise their voices to rid us of the incompetent “numpties” proliferating the Palace of Westminster?

Joseph G Miller, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline

No joy in what these thugs do

I WOULD be a happy person if I never saw the words “joyrider” and “joyriding” again.

The criminals who engage in this behaviour may get brief joy from their activities, but I’m sure it’s short-lived, while the terror they can create stays in the hearts and minds of their victims, not to mention the injuries and damage that have been caused. They are more “death riders” in my book.

N Mackenzie, Grange Loan, Edinburgh

Scotland would be fine on its own

SCOTLAND will be all right as an independent country – I see no reason to think otherwise, so long as the focus is on the welfare and well-being of Scotland’s people.

Alex Salmond has done a good job thus far.

Trevor Swistchew, Victor Park Avenue, Edinburgh

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