ACCORDING to Friends of the Earth, official data for two toxic pollutants show that the air pollution in Scotland's town and cities is now creating a public health crisis.

 

The latest figures showing pollution levels continue to break Scottish and European limits. Ministers defended their record by saying they are working hard along with councils to improve air quality.

Here in Glasgow, working hard to reduce air pollution certainly does not mean the city council will be cancelling the free city centre parking spaces granted to top council officials which add to their air pollution problem in town.

Council leader Gordon Matheson is correct when he says People Make Glasgow but he and the rest of his council must also know air pollution destroys people, so this council free parking jamboree must end immediately. It's time for Councillor Matheson to show leadership on the issue.

Tommy Martin, Glasgow

Alex Salmond said it was astonishing that in all these years the minimum wage, the statutory wage didn't keep pace with inflation.

Alex if you think that that is astonishing try this one for size - isn't it astonishing that the Scottish Parliament has enshrined in law, the right of local authorities to charge law abiding citizens of Scotland up to double the normal rate of council tax for an empty property maintained in good condition, but allows persons in prison to keep a property and pay no council tax on it whatsoever, indefinitely.

Ronnie Simpson posted online

Good idea of Glasgow City Council to recycle Christmas trees and use the recycled material in parks around the city. A very responsible way to encourage people to think green. However, I would love to recycle more, but as a flat owner I seem to be limited to what I can recycle. It would be great if we had bins for glass and food and really do our bit to help. At the moment I still have to drop bottle off at a bottle bank, but not everyone has cars so what to they do.

C Gentles Govan

Delighted the Glasgow Community Champions awards are back this year and I hope people take note and nominate those in our neighbourhoods who are often forgotten about.

So often it's the people who sing the loudest who get the recognition or famous people for simply backing a charity and not actually doing much.

Let's hope those who matter are rewarded.

B Driver Castlemilk