MUCH like Anthony Powell I have a nostalgic view of the past.

However we do have to live in the present day and organise the life of our society to meet the needs and desires of our current population.

There is a simple answer to Anthony’s desire to reduce the presence of cars.

All that has to be done is to reduce the population of England by approximately 20 million people and if we could reduce that by a further 20 million we could perhaps reintroduce the stage coach and individual horse travel.

That would, of course, create the new problem of methane emissions et al. Nevertheless it would be of benefit to enthusiastic gardeners and rose growers.

In the meantime our overstretched island is increasing its population by vast numbers year on year.

Well Anthony I’ve now provided you with the answer all you have to do is to briefly document the way of achieving it.

I don’t think Anthony needs to worry too much about the proposed new Barnton bridge.

We get to this talk, talk stage approximately once every 20 years before the issue quietly fades away, much like Rip van Winkle.

Don Micklewright Weaverham Northwich