I READ with interest your article on the high stake puggies (23/12/13).

It's about time some paper took up the plague of these machines.

First of all they should never have been allowed in a bookmakers, unless they had a separate games shop.

And now that they are established applications are being made for even more.

They represent guaranteed income - no need for horse racing any more - and they are open until 10pm.

I have never heard anyone who works in a bookmakers deny they make a great deal of money from them. Something really does need to be done.

D Dour Glasgow

Bikes boost

I note from your report that police are to get trail bikes to patrol city centre locations, focussing on lanes (Evening Times, December 26).

This is great news and should improve the safety of the city as these lanes are notorious for all sorts of anti-social behaviour. This should have been thought of years ago along with improved lighting and gating.

Bill Love Mosspark

Home truths

Your front page report on the bedroom tax did not mention how long it will take to sort all the mess out in Glasgow.

One council in England has said 18 years! There are not enough suitable houses.

Talking of 18 years, if a person has been on continuous Housing Benefit since January 1996 (even partial HB while working), and has also lived in the same house for that time, the bedroom tax should not be imposed because of legal reasons. Some appeal tribunals have instructed local authorities to review bedroom tax cases because of this, so those penalised should request a review.

Andrew Forsyth Glasgow

Square dance

AS a veteran of several Hogmanay parties in George Square I feel a bit sorry that there is no big party in the square this year.

The event was always great fun and a proper use of the city's main square for its people.

I won't miss the cold walk home, though.

Thomas Cashel, via email