June 8, 2001 10:41: We have very recently returned home from a canal boating holiday on the canals of the Midlands.

The weather was very kind to us by being warm and sunny.

However, like many other parts of the country, foot-and-mouth restrictions were still in place along the foot paths of the various canals we cruised along.

We even had a bowl of disinfectant on board our boat provided by the boatyard.

The footpaths had clear visible signs and fences to ensure people stepped in the troughs to disinfect their shoes to continue their journey. These troughs were well used by people walking along the footpaths and we even watched a man struggling to persuade his rather large dog to step in as well

However, to our total amazement, pedal cyclists (and there were plenty of them) seemed to think they were exempt from these controls and simply rode very fast over the troughs thus avoiding any form of disinfecting. It's these same eco-friendly green people, who dictate the wrongs of car owners and the damage vehicles cause to the ozone, who deliberately ignored a national crisis.

Who are the real friends of the country and the people and animals who share it?

No need to say any more about these "green hypocrites".

Mr G Johnson

St Albans Road

Dartford