COMMON SENSE: Good luck in your efforts to change our time system. As I am sure you are aware this has been tried many times in the past but has always failed owing to concerns about Scotland. Today, Scotland has a Parliament of its own, surely then it could have a time of its own? I do not think too many would disagree and as your present initiative has the support of a number of MPs, it may have some hope of success. If we could claim this is contrary to our human rights or race relations, it may have more chance of success, however, Nil Desperandum. There is a hope common sense may prevail, even in this Government.

D Welch Bishops Avenue Bromley

EURO-FRIENDLY: I think Double Daylight Saving (News Shopper, December 21) is a brilliant idea, bringing us in line with the near continent, which will help trade, travel and business (to name but a few) if it were adopted. Also, with so many families having family members and freinds living in Europe, contact would therefore be so much easier. Scotland has very long hours of daylight in the spring and summer in southern areas so perhaps they would be happy for us to arrange our hours to maximise the potential.

Shirley Ramsey Upton Road Bexley

FIRST-CLASS FORCE: Give praise when it is deserved. On Thursday, December 22 I returned home at 9pm to discover my house had been burgled. Within 15 minutes a police car arrived. The two officers were very observant and very understanding, each displaying true professionalism. The scene-of-crime officer turned up before the two officers had left and he was also first-class. I am very grateful to our police force for their speedy response and for the highly professional all-round service I experienced.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

RIDE ON: I found Mr Whisper's views (News Shopper, December 28) on cyclists selfish and misleading. Though I am not a cyclist myself you will find most people who choose to use this form of transport also own a car and therefore do pay road tax, insurance and fuel duty. Not only do I feel they contribute to less road congestion and pollution it is in my experience other car users who are the real culprits of ignoring road safety. I for one would certainly consider cycling to and from work if all boroughs had dedicated cycle lanes.

Ian Middleton St Margarets Avenue Sidcup