Compelled to contribute (Graham Budge)
Having read some of the letters in yesterday’s edition of The Shetland Times (4th September), I feel compelled to make a contribution.
It appears many view our council in a somewhat dimmer than dim light and I can only but agree.
We have what was once a landmark, in the form of the Viking Bus Station, which the council has sold off, but the remaining bus parking area has been left in sad neglect.
I should imagine that the bus parking area was not part of the deal when the buildings were sold off.
The stand, which many operators use, has now become a car park for the “boy cruisers”, who steadfastly refuse to move when a bus comes in and have the cheek to tell bus drivers to park elsewhere.
Does the council now expect the aged or infirm to have to alight from a bus and walk across an area which is not meant for pedestrians, merely because some jumped-up teens are trying to be assertive?
I think not, considering there are two large signs telling drivers: “No parking, buses only.”
Perhaps the council can say who will compensate if an injury occurs due to this selfishness? Or perhaps, one of these “cruisers” needs a gentle accidental nudge from a 10-tonne vehicle. I am sure their insurance will not pay out, as they are parked illegally?
Then we come to the police. Several times they have cruised past the bus station when illegal vehicles have been parked, yet have done nothing. One can only think they are in a hurry for their next leg waxing session, or their powers of observation have been blighted.
The “parkers” are usually at the new Mr T’s, or eating/collecting take-aways from the Raba.
No-one wishes to deny them custom, but there is a parking area above the bus station, plenty down by the Mareel and at the time they park, usually between 6.30pm onwards, the council car park is deserted.
As most work (loosely used) at the council during the day, I am sure after 4.30pm the council car park resembles the Sahara Desert.
Lastly, the letter regarding council “procurements”. Why are we not supporting local producers in Shetland?
Having worked in procurements, I can safely say kick-backs and “friends syndrome” plays a huge part.
Let’s see some action SIC, since you seem to do little else here apart from draw a wage, which is not earned.
Graham Budge
11a Horseshoe Close,
Virkie.
clare Green
As I’ve always said,there was never going to be another use for this building. It provided a valuable waiting place for those not able to afford a car or those no longer able to drive while waiting for often the only alternative form of transport eg a bus. Also while manned an eye could be kept on the use of the bus parking area and how that was being used. And It must have cost a few Bob to install what is laughingly called a bus stance/shelter. For the megre savings made and the enormous upset it has caused within the community plus the far from favourable impression it’s going to give tourists in the famous Shetland “summer weather” when they get soaking wet,was it really worth SIC? I’m sure there are many residents/readers who could come up with far better ideas for saving money..lots more than this one.
David Spence
I agree with what Graham and Claire, have said. I would also like to add an additional service the Viking Bus Terminus used to have but no longer provides such a service. This is the ‘ collecting point ‘ where, in many cases, post or large items were placed at the Viking Bus Terminus, but now this has been moved to the industrial site away out at Gremista. I believe it is near where Cope are situated?
I would also suggest, whoever owns this, to either renew or clean the large painting on the wall, as it is looking rather grubby. I do not think it would give a good impression to tourists or any other onlooker.
I would also suggest there should be a bus shelter similar to what is opposite the Thule Bar, as this would shelter people from the cold northerly winds, rain, hale or snow. Surely putting up an extra barrier would not cost that much and would provide much needed shelter to those waiting for their bus?