Glasgow needs this new park

I WRITE to commend the Agenda article by Peter Hayman (“Merchant City park would be a boost for Glasgow”, The Herald, April 15). Peter Hayman has very neatly exposed the separation of political policy and official action and the contradictions that this leads to in the planning of our public places.

Under the previous administration in Glasgow, Arm’s-length External Organisations (Aleos) were established and while the current administration has dismantled some, others, including City Property, live on and continue to act against the public interest in many cases.

What is the point of local democracy in the form of a city council and a community council if an unelected body can act against their policy and wishes?

Glasgow city centre is bereft of public green spaces, with only a derisory few square metres of grass in George Square. The proposed Merchant City park already contains a wonderful work of art in the form of the wildlife mural and some mature trees.

The park should be established to give residents and visitors alike brief respite from the hustle and bustle of our city centre streets, which are still far too crowded with motor traffic. Patricia Fort, Glasgow.