Facebook figures of those opposing the closure of Shetland coastguard station have reached the 2,000 mark. In Laughton Johnston’s book this counts as a vocal minority. With windfarm supporters’ logic applied to this figure, only one conclusion is possible: the majority of the Shetland population is in favour of closing the Shetland coastguard station.
Rosa Steppanova
The Lea,
Tresta.
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On 30th November, Scotland’s largest teaching trade union, the EIS, will take strike action for the first time in 25 years.
READ FULL STORYIn reply to Ian Scott’s letter “Cuts are not inevitable”, I would like to clarify the situation with regard to the council’s support for agriculture.
READ FULL STORYIt is patently absurd for councillor Angus to state that the current consultation exercise is being carried out in a complete political vacuum.
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Peter Marwick
Is it not the case that the latest poll by the Shetland Times showed more people in favour of the windfarms than against? Also, I don’t recall reading from anyone who supports the closure of the coastguard.
I’m amazed you’ve used the word “logic” in this letter, as any logic the letter uses is fundamentally flawed.
Christine Laurenson
There is a distinct lack of logic in any decisions taken recently, either by our local council or the present so-called “coalition” government… but I digress…
I am not convinced that the results (of either of the polls conducted) are particularly accurate and therefore not sure that either side of the argument can realistically claim a victory. Given the massive size of the budget concerned and the possible risks of investing so much in the one project, should we not be given the opportunity of taking part in a referendum?
Councillors, of course, might argue that it is for them to make decisions – that’s what they are paid for etc, … but, if that is the case, why have said council so often used the services of consultants, at enormous cost, to make decisions which could have been made “in house”, with assistance from experts within the community?
Kenny Gear
In the UK approximately 42% of people are active on Facebook according to various online sources.
Assuming a population of 22,000, if that ratio holds true for Shetland then that would mean a total of 9240 people on Facebook in the isles. 2000 supporters of the Facebook page represents 21.64% of people registering their objection within only a few weeks.
In contrast so-called Sustainable Shetland membership reached 753 in December this year – a total of 3.4% of the Shetland population after a period of almost three years.
Sorry Rosa, but your attempt to draw this parallel only highlights the misleading spin this organisation has attempted to impart on the facts since its inception.
Kevin Learmonth
Some numbers.
Stop Viking Energy on Facebook: 683
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=111070719185
Windfarm supporters on Facebook: 335
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139166368986&ref=ts
It is very easy for anybody to click a “join” button. It takes a bit more effort to fill in a membership form.
Sustainable Shetland membership currently 764 at 12/1/11. Windfarm supporters – zero at present becasue they don’t have any members, just “supporters”.
Energy Consents Unit numbers: official objections to Viking Energy 2300. Official expressions of support 900.
Do you think people are trying to say something?
I think everyone who joined the Save The Coastguard Station Facebook page and signed the petition is doing a splendid job. As did the 2000 + who joined the Save Scalloway School page. Didn’t stop the council ignoring them though.