YOUR article on police raids on shops in Glasgow which were selling 'legal highs' highlighted some interesting issues.

But it didn't mention the fact that many believe the problem exists because of the arbitrary regulation of so-called 'controlled drugs' and the demand which exists for these.

The fact that many of these legal alternatives are more dangerous than the illegal substances they try to mimic clearly demonstrates that something is fundamentally wrong with our approach to dealing with the drug use in society.

This is yet another unintended consequence of our self-perpetuating 'War on (some) Drugs'.

John Shelton, Glasgow

Just say 'hello'

IT WAS an interesting report in the paper about police attending church in a bid to engage with local people and give their message over to a wider audience.

Perhaps it would be better if they engaged in a friendly manner on the streets. There still seems to be an aloofness from some officers as they walk about avoiding eye contact or interaction with the community, shopkeepers and business persons.

As ambassadors for Glasgow I would expect them to be at the front line in getting to know people, winning their trust, and getting over the safer cleaner better message.

The same goes for other uniformed services.

Bill Love, Mosspark

Parking fury

READERS may like to hear of yet another parking issue in the city, this time affecting disabled drivers who visit the Springfield Quay complex, in particular the Odeon Cinema and Etap Hotel.

On June 27, I saw 10 vans parked in disabled parking bays at the Etap Hotel, next to the Odeon Cinema. Etap's manager said they were finding it difficult to sort out the problem.

I found this confusing as most, if not all, the drivers were staying at the Etap Hotel – they were seen going in by parking attendants.

This is a blatant disregard for disabled people.

Alisdair MacQuarrie, Glasgow