I'M HAPPY the fuel crisis seems over, but, as a user of public transport since I was seven, I was gladdened by the sight of so many besuited individuals on our local train.

Nonetheless, we were subjected to that curse of the London-to-the-North train -- the mobile phone.

However, every situation, however mundane has its compensations. I would like to thank the legal gentleman on his way to Clitheroe whose telephone conversation entertained me when we were treated to a most interesting discussion on the possible outcome of a disorderly house case.

And, who knows, some of the "suits" subjected to public transport and having to mix with the riff raff, may find they enjoy it, albeit it in a masochistic way.

Like Tony Blair, they may have to acknowledge that a world does exist outside their offices and cars -- a world where people do interact face-to-face!

MR J S KENT, Fairfield Close, Clitheroe.