THE astonishing outburst from Mr Pike had me thinking all weekend and into Monday about all sorts of implications.

Has the urban sprawl affecting towns and cities near and far, which increases both pollution and congestion in them, been brought about by unbridled land abuse around them?

Or, another implication, if you are a shareholder in, or dare I say executive of, property developer Bloggs and Co, would it be in your interest to pop out and and have fun with some crop trampling, sheep worrying, and rubbish tipping? Remember, you have to demonstrate “total lack of respect”. Walking your dog might not be sufficient.

Am I being stupidly cynical by believing that the answers really lie more in what property development can do for lifestyle and pension pots?

The Hilperton Gap is, as feared, being stuffed just as fast as the developers can jump in with pretty plans and promises.

Years ago, when we lived in another Wiltshire town, a council oversight meant we owned a tiny ransom strip. We used it against a massive development with devastating effect. Don’t put up with “them” trying to move footpaths, for example. It can be done.

Philip Fowler, Victoria Road, Trowbridge