Sir – On behalf of the other passengers travelling on the 16.18 Carlisle to Leeds train on December 30, 2013, I would like to apologise to the Northern Rail staff operating this service; for the Family from Hell who were sitting on the lefthand side of the carriage and the fact that none of the other travelling passengers questioned their level of behaviour.

In addition to occupying more seats than they had paid for; the eating habits, bad language and general rudeness to others of this group of “adults” was atrocious.

Why should Northern Rail employees have to put up with such behaviour?

In all levels of human activity, there should be a minimum standard that adults can attain.

This family didn’t.

Alex Salmon can’t be all wrong about wanting independence for Scotland; particularly if it means we can check entry visas of such people before letting them into our country.

I just feel sorry for the people of Barnsley, for evidently this was their chosen destination.

Paul Emsley, Hellifield