IAIN LUNDY'S article (Evening Times, September 14), complete with the SPT's "stunning new images" of the not-yet-completed Partick Station, made very pleasant reading.

Until I came to the bit at the end, where the fact that the platforms will be entirely open to the elements was dismissed by the SPT spokesman, who instead made much of the size and modernity of their new waiting rooms.

The usual mistake has been made, and we have the umpteenth example in Glasgow of something being designed by people who know nothing of the practicalities involved.

I don't doubt the waiting rooms will be twice the size of the previous, pokey little rooms, but that's hardly relevant. What matters to passengers will be that everyone who wants to stay dry during a typical rainy Glasgow commute is going to be forced into the only dry area, where they will be unable to escape the attentions of every drunk and druggie.

Experienced commuters will be aware that simply trying to ignore such people works only when one is able to walk away, while ignoring them in a confined space carries its own risks. And let's not have any nonsense about how the transport police will always be on hand to protect us!

I long for the day when planners will be people who actually have to live outside of their luxurious little bubbles. D S, Glasgow Zig-zag offenders

I READ your article (Evening Times, September 14) about drivers fined for stopping on the zig-zag lines when dropping their kids off at school.

As a parent of a child who attends Crookston Castle Primary School in Pollok, Glasgow, I still see a lot of ignorant parents stopping on the zig-zag lines.

It's a relatively new school, but there are a lot of other safety issues besides inconsiderate parents. There is only one entrance and exit, which is far too small and the stairs are far too steep for children. Linda Aitken, via email Leave Botanics alone

I REFER to recent coverage of the proposed development in the Botanic Gardens.

I have been a resident of the West End for over five years. This is a densely residential area already well-served by licensed bars, restaurants and clubs. Our green space is precious and must be preserved at all costs. Once lost it will be gone forever.

I implore the decision-makers to see sense and respect the facilities we enjoy. Our history and heritage must be preserved, not taken for granted. Iain Marshall, West End No mate of Maggie

I THOUGHT Gordon Brown was doing a good job as the new PM but I was disgusted to hear him praising Margaret Thatcher and inviting her to Downing Street. He must have a very short memory after the misery she inflicted on Scots through her Tory policies, such as the poll tax. John Redpath, Glasgow WHAT DO YOU THINK? Email your views to us here. WRITE: Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB. Please include your name and 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: Who will bail out the borrowers?

THE world's biggest debtor nation (America) is in hock to the world's second biggest debtor nation (Japan), both have lent substantial sums hoping to cash in on mortgage repayments.

Oh dear, they over indulged and now the mortgagees cannot repay. So, disaster at the world's stock exchanges. Northern Rock do likewise, but are bailed out by the Bank of England, so all is well?

In a pig's ear; mortgage foreclosures in the UK are at an all-time high with hundreds of thousands of mortgage holders unable to meet their continually increasing repayments. Do you think the Bank of England will bail out the poor householders who cannot pay?

A prize for the person who comes up with the correct answer. A hint NO! Ronnie Cee Time for steady nerves

SAVERS queuing up outside Northern Rock to get their money out are just making a bad situation worse. The global money markets rely on investor confidence and once that's gone it will be difficult to get it back.

These big institutions shouldn't have got the jitters in the first place, but everyone now needs to calm down and stop getting hysterical. Sue, Glasgow If there's smoke . . .

I FOR one moved my substantial savings out first thing this morning and wasn't alone in doing so. Biffo the Bear, Beano Town Money is safe

NORTHERN Rock ARE in trouble - but your money is safe. KB, People's Republik of Glasgow Paranoid punters

There is no crisis at Northern Rock. People are just being paranoid. bAzTNM, Glasgow Capitalism isn't perfect

IT just goes to show you that capitalism isn't the be-all and end-all.

When a major bank like Northern Rock gets into trouble, you know there's something wrong with a system that likes to paint itself as infallible and all-powerful. It's been a useful lesson for all of us. Martin, Glasgow Give us advice

SOME decent advice to savers from the Government, instead of just platitudes, would be nice. T D, Glasgow