The news that Centrica, owner of British Gas, has announced a proposed increase in gas and electricity charges is a disaster for hard-pressed residential and business customers.

To compound matters, in January Centrica announced an increase in gas and electricity charges of 15%, and the latest proposed rise is especially hard to take in that the firm has admitted the aim of this rise is to protect profits in its retail business.

Four months after the 15% increase in bills, Centrica is clearly still more concerned about corporate results than hard-pressed customers. It looks like consumers are to face yet more misery on top of rocketing food, mortgage and transport fuel costs.

Scotland is an energy-rich country, yet our consumers are facing repeated inflation- busting price rises simply to protect company profits. The UK Government's inaction is totally unacceptable, and we must have real action to help hard-pressed consumers. ALEX ORR Via e-mail City pollution woe

I'm all in favour of Glasgow City Council's recent call for a Low Emission Zone for the City Centre.

As someone who walks home to the West End from the city centre on a daily basis, I was disgusted to see these 30+ year old buses, on a seemingly new open top tour service, belching out goodness knows what into the city air (and into my lungs)!

I also wonder what kind of impression these vehicles give to tourists.

As far as I am concerned, if the Low Emission Zone removes this sort of pollution from our city centre then it can't come soon enough. P HALEWOOD Partick Water firm not at fault

In response to comments made by chedwardall, Glasgow' (Hot Topic, Monday) stating that Scottish Water is to blame for the abuse of hydrants during hot weather; Scottish Water has a job to do.

It is responsible for ensuring customers receive a reliable supply of fresh and clean drinking water, not spending public money coming up with and implementing ideas regarding lockable hydrant covers.

I also wonder how chedwardell' would feel if his own house went up in flames and firefighters ended up wasting time unlocking re-inforced hydrant covers rather than fighting the fire!

Give Scottish Water a break, it isn't its fault we live in a society where kids think it's amusing to set off hydrants. CHRIS QUINN Glasgow Quality NHS service,/h4> A FEW words in praise of your oft-maligned National Health Service.

While visiting Scotland a few weeks ago I had an accident. The outcome was a broken shoulder.

The quality of service I received from the Scottish Ambulance Service and everyone I came into contact with at the Western Infirmary was exemplary. HARRY HARGREAVES Canada WRITE: Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB. Please include your name and address. E-MAIL: letters@eveningtimes.co.uk Please include postal address. TEXT: key in the word 'etletters', leave a space then send your comments to 88010. Max 160 characters. Please include your name or initials and where you're from. Texts cost 25p at all times. HOT TOPIC: Good luck Rangers give 100% in the game

Good luck to Rangers.

We see all the time former players coming back to haunt their old clubs.

For Rangers' sake, let's hope Ricksen doesn't sneak a goal with a free kick. RAB JONES, Glasgow The Canadian club

EVEN though I live in Canada - I grew up in Mosspark - I will be tuning in tonight in the hope that Rangers can bring the Uefa Cup home to Glasgow.

Good luck boys, we're all rooting for you. CHRISTINE MAITLAND, Toronto Best of luck for Cup

What a fantastic day this will be. I'm a Celtic fan but I wish them the best of luck. TRIGOT, Glasgow Repeat history please!

I REMEMBER the last time Rangers won in Europe, my dad took me down Paisley Road to watch the party.

Here's hoping I'll be able to take my own boy to see the celebrations later tonight.

Go on Rangers. You can do it. CRAIG, Cardonald Do Glasgow proud

I'M no football fan but I hope Rangers do Glasgow proud. ALISON CAIRNS, Pollok Scotland is the winner

IF Rangers win tonight Manchester won't know what's hit it. Here's hoping - win, lose or draw - that Scottish football emerges the winner. DYNO, Glasgow Red, white and bleu

I'LL be watching the game tonight at a French friend's apartment in Paris. I've had him to Ibrox so he's throwing me a party in return.

There will be at least six nationalities at the bash including a Russian. Here's hoping I'll be the one having to phone work on Thursday to get the day off! CHRIS, Paris Bring it home to city

HERE's another life-long Celtic fan who hopes Rangers can bring the Cup back to Glasgow.

All the best for the game. FELIX WALTERS, Via e-mail