Computers
Repairs
Sales
Service
Desktops & Laptops
Phones
Cameras
ipods
Consoles
& Games
01851
700178
17 Bayhead St
Stornoway, Lewis
Macbrayne’s smoky funnels 27/8/10
Sir,
What have we got now? The ferry emits some "pollution", i.e. it belches a bit of black smoke, and our wonderful council immediately asks the Procurator Fiscal to prosecute the shipping company because of it.
What would have been wrong with the council having a quiet word with MacBraynes and asking them to fix the problem as soon as possible? No, that would have been too simple, logical and practical. Instead, they want to institute a prosecution.
This will mean that taxpayers will have to pay for the legal costs involved, i.e. both the prosecution and court costs as well as MacBraynes costs; and no doubt our wonderful council will have incurred various costs into the bargain.
Moreover, if MacBraynes is found guilty of this "major crime", we, the taxpayers will have to fork out for the cost of their fine. Incidentally, what happens to any such fine? Does it go back to the Scottish Government or, more likely, into consolidated revenue?
It seems to me that our council would be better employed in cutting down council waste, unwarranted expenditures and the subsidised council bar and restaurant rather than running to the law over yet another trivial matter that could well have been sorted out with a quiet word; and involving the taxpayers in yet more expense. Not only does our council need to try actually listening to the people, but it needs to develop a modicum of common sense as well.
F. Robertson
18 Portnaguran
Lewis
Letters should include full name and address for publication. Please include a phone number for verification.