Letters / Wake up, north candidates
For the attention of the prospective candidates of Shetland North:
Drew Ratter, Alistair Cooper, Davy Cooper, Andrea Manson, Colin Arnot, Alan MacDonald, Jim Reyner
Despite what the Shetland Times says, I would like to remind all the candidates for Shetland North that Nesting is in fact in your ward and NOT Shetland Central. So far in this election campaign none of the candidates have even mentioned Nesting and this situation is unacceptable.
For too long now Nesting has been completely unrepresented in the council on major issues that affect their constituents. The most notable of these is the windfarm.
Along with the Aith area, Nesting will bear the brunt of the pain associated with this development. Fifty six out of the 103 turbines will be located in Nesting. As far as we can see 36 of these will be closer than the recommended safe distance from houses.
At present we have three councillors who pertain to represent us in the council. Two of these councillors were (are) directors of Viking Energy and the other said absolutely nothing in the chamber for all of his term except to second the motion for acceptance.
No one has represented us. No one has even bothered to speak to us collectively unless they have been badgered by individuals. They have all failed in their democratic duty to all of their constituents.
If this windfarm is to go ahead (and it is still an if) we will need strong representation in this forthcoming council more than ever.
You will be faced with a great many of your constituents facing the prospect of disruption to their daily lives, loss of amenity, possible financial ruin and at worst a serious risk to their health.
May I remind candidates (both incumbent and proposed) that this council passed the Viking Energy development with a proviso (inserted by Betty Fullerton) that it should not affect the health of people living close to it.
I fail to see how they could have passed this if there has been no health risk analysis. This must be a priority for any of our three new councillors regardless of their views on whether they support the development in principle or not. WE NEED YOUR VIEWS NOW.
Apart from the windfarm we have rarely seen a councillor in this area. The occasional meeting of the parents’ council does NOT constitute keeping in touch with the issues that affect our community.
Our new representatives must try harder to engage with the electorate. Is it any wonder there is total lack of respect for this council if they do not even speak to those who they are supposed to represent?
I worry about all of the prospective candidates. They are all seem to be talking about issues that just affect folk in Shetland North of Voe (and serious issues they are too).
Well, start thinking of us south of Voe and possibly pick up some votes because at present we might as well spoil our papers. WAKEN UP- DEMOCRACY NEEDS YOU!
Iain Malcolmson
South Nesting
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