WITH regard to moves by a East Renfrewshire primary to allocate places by lottery (Evening Times, May 6), why can't parents just opt for their local school?

It's better for the environment because there will be fewer 4x4s blocking the roads and good exercise for the children as they can then walk to school.

CHALMERGA, Paisley

Council is fine crazy

THIS council is determined to have us all in the gutter, what with its jobsworth wardens fining people for everything.

It is all about money with them and it does not matter how poor their victim is.

Reader Poll Should Glasgow continue to collaborate with Edinburgh? Yes 58.7% No 35.9% Don't know 5.4%

They expect payment of ridiculous fines for the likes of dog fouling and litter louts.

These may seem like a good idea in practice, but in reality our jobsworth wardens go over the top.

For example, a mother was fined when her toddler accidentally dropped a bit of sausage roll but just before she got a chance to pick it up they swooped and slapped her with a fine.

CAROLINE McCORD, Glasgow

Brown in a muddle

ACCORDING to the most recent reports, Gordon Brown won't say whether or not he supports Wendy Alexander's campaign for a referendum on Scottish Independence.

At least Wendy's decision has made one thing clear - Gordon Brown is the most indecisive Prime Minister the country has ever had.

MAGS MacLAREN, Paisley

Beggars belief

I CAN'T believe someone could get stabbed for not giving enough money to a beggar (Evening Times, May 7).

It really makes you despair that someone could do that, despite being given money in the first place.

Name and address supplied

Shops should front up

WHY do shopkeepers think it is beneath them to keep the front of their doorway entrance clean and tidy (Evening Times, May 5).

Some shops in European countries hose down the windows with soapy water then use a stiff brush to scrub round about.

The council should demand this procedure from each and every one of the offenders... and put a notice through their mail box explaining the need to comply.

TRENCH, Possilpark

Warming up nicely

WHAT a refreshing change to see some sunshine in Glasgow and spots like Kelvingrove and George Square full of people enjoy the heat.

It's certainly different from a few weeks ago when people were running for shelter as the rain battered down.

S BURTON, Glasgow

You're having a laugh

I CAN'T believe E4's drama Skins won an award (Evening Times, May 7).

As far as I'm concerned it just encourages youngsters to have parties and get drunk.

A McPHERSON, East End

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HOT TOPIC: Get anti-smoking message across early

THIS drive to urge the public to quit smoking is very welcome in my opinion.

It's great now being able to go into pubs and not come home stinking of smoke.

We need to get the message across early to put off youngsters before it's too late.

Parents need to be encouraged to play their part too, as kids can be easily influenced.

JAY R, Glasgow

Smoker defiance

AS far as I'm concerned I'll keep smoking.

EASTENDER, Glasgow

Take cigs off shelves

I AM a smoker and I will stop when I want to, not when someone tells me too.

And if the government so badly wants people to stop smoking, it should stop letting shops selling cigarettes, but it can't because that's where it gets a lot of money from.

If it wants to help people stop then it has to do a bit more than seminars and just take them off the shelves.

SWEETCHEEKSUK2001, Glasgow

Don't dictate to Scots

SORRY, I thought we lived in a democracy where we had the right to choose, not live in a dictatorship, where our choices are made for us.

What next... charge us for the air that we breathe?

Come on Holyrood, get a grip! This is Scotland we live in, we can't be dictated to!

How would the MSPs feel if we banned them from claiming too many expenses?

GRAEME, Bristol

Smoke-free streets

SCOTLAND'S Health Minister has pledged to continue the drive for a smoke-free society.

Get all the buses off the road then.

I PREDICT A RIOT, Glasgow

Good luck to MSPs

I WISH MSPs good luck in their bid for a smoke-free society in Scotland.

CELTIC4, United States

Price hikes are no use

I'M not sure if making cigarettes less affordable will make any difference.

We all know that if you really want something you still buy it.

Look at petrol prices - people still flock to buy it, despite its price.

SAM, West End