I AM writing to express my sadness and dismay with regard to the planning system in Glasgow.

I witnessed the completely unnecessary demolition of Partick's old rail ticket office by Tesco, which took place with the approval of Glasgow City Council's Building Control Department, on Sunday.

In this case, council officials appear to have failed in their duty to consult with the local community and also, to protect our city's heritage for future generations.

They acted with only the developer's interests in mind. The old ticket office was recognised as worthy of listing by Historic Scotland and the Railway Heritage Trust. It was loved by the Partick community.

Many people I have spoken to wanted it to open as a cafe or art gallery. It should have been saved. Martha Wardrop, Via e-mail Chain store's vandalism

TESCO, the company behind the demolition of the Partick Station's old ticket office, has a real nerve.

Reading about its underhand demolition of the local landmark one story said "a Tesco spokesman refused to comment". I'll bet he did!

I'd love to hear what excuse some well-paid PR flunky had for ripping part of the heart out of Glasgow.

The city council should also be held to account. Why on earth did it grant permission to demolish this historic and eminently salvageable building while planning permission for the proposed Tesco store is still under discussion or does it know something we don't?

If the supermarket giant thinks this act of wanton vandalism will clear the way for their pet project to be green-lighted, then it sorely underestimates the fighting spirit of Partick and its people. Name and address supplied Give bus drivers a break

I BACK the bus driver's letter you printed last week.

I'm a driver too and wish I could get a two-hour break during the day. In my depot, the shifts last 131/3 hours, with only three 15-minute breaks, all of which must be taken on the bus. Also, there are no toilet or canteen facilities for drivers. It is quite normal for drivers to be so tired that they miss out on scheduled runs to have a sleep at the back of the bus.

The SPT and Health and safety Executive must surely be able to do something about our conditions, or must we wait until there is a serious accident before anything is done.

As it is, I'm sure most of the minor bumps and scrapes are caused by drivers being overtired. Name and address supplied Lunch on lawn was ideal

Yet another plan to renovate George Square (Evening Times, January 30).

Why did they ever get rid of the trees and grassed area we used to have?

In its place we now have a vast expanse of red tarmac, now covered in dispensed chewing gum.

Putting a pictorial history of Glasgow in its place will not work, as it too will very soon be covered in exactly the same dirty chewing gum marks.

What we really need is a simple return to the calm tranquility that once was, with trees, grass and somewhere relaxing to sit and eat our lunch. Caroline Austin, Garnethill Time to green-up city square

CAN we please stop using George Square as a car showroom/art gallery/commercial exhibition area and return it to the relaxing green space it was originally intended to be. The city needs a green lung at its heart. Keith Napier, Via e-mail

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