As a new rail commuter, travelling between Newton and Glasgow each morning, I am absolutely disgusted at the conditions First ScotRail passengers are expected to endure on a daily basis.

The 08:56 train usually has only three carriages to accommodate hundreds of passengers.

The result is serious overcrowding which, in recent weeks, has led to passengers falling from the train and on to the platform when the doors open.

Countless ticket inspectors have expressed their own dismay, promising to raise the issue with management. To date, the conditions are worse than ever, yet ScotRail hasn't replied to my concerns, and Transport Scotland seem in no rush to act.

It seems that the health and safety of those travelling on Scotland's rail network is low down on the list of priorities for those at the top.

Martin Muir Via email

Vapour rage

Is there anything more ridiculous than e-cigarettes?

Hopefully the powers that be will have the courage to impose the same restrictions that exist for real cigarettes.

I certainly do not want to be sitting in a restaurant with someone blowing "harmless" vapour over my meal, or be in a theatre next to the same.

The manufacturers say they help people stop smoking.

This, of course, is arrant nonsense. They are most definitely a gateway to youngsters to start the vile habit.

James Reilly Erskine

Shut the shops

THE schools and fast food debate has a simple solution. Local councils should stop giving fast food shops a licence to operate within a certain radius of schools, or ban them from opening in school hours. Easy.

Susan Murphy Mosspark

Autumn gold

THE trees in our city parks are beginning to put on their annual show of Autumn colour. They look beautiful.

I just hope that, when the leaves drop, the council remembers to sweep them, to stope them blocking drains.

Alec Ross Via e-mail