The new road (across the Hilperton Gap) might be acceptable if (a) it is just one half of a to-be-constructed dual carriageway, or (b) the solution found by railways in this country is adopted – the staff system.

A driver can proceed to the other end if he is in possession of the staff. A driver waiting to come the other way then takes it and drives in perfect safety back along the road. The process is repeated as often as necessary. With modifications to deal with unbalanced traffic flows (“staff and ticket” etc) this very British invention for single track operation has been a godsend all around the world.

Seriously, I pointed out recently that the vultures had cast greedy eyes on the Hilperton Gap buffer zone long ago, circling at a perfectly legal altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level. The way they work – there's no secret about it – is to have huge land stocks signed up ready to go when the moment is right. In their eyes, the moment is now right; populating the Gap relief road has come to the top of their list. Look out for planning applications to WC.

I note Duncan Hames' very generous farewell letter after retiring as an MP, and recall vividly that at a Civic Hall public meeting, he was prepared to stick his head above the parapet and speak out strongly against this whole mess. Am I alone in wondering who has quietly pulled which strings – not for the first time - to bring us to this disgraceful point after all?

Philip Fowler, Victoria Road, Trowbridge.