Sir, – The comments attributed to councillor Scrivens on the subject of Farnham Transport Plan funding (Herald February 11), demonstrate well the arrogance and prejudices of our local politicians.
"Downing Street proposals have been deferred for fear of upsetting a few people".
It was not a "few" people who objected vehemently to the ludicrous road-narrowing proposals, but the vast majority of local people who would suffer the consequences of gumming up the town even more than the current Firgrove Bridge closure.
He wants 'people" to have priority, not the "vehicles". Has he yet realised that all vehicles are driven by "people", who are legitimately going about their business in or near our town?
Or does he think that our traffic ills are caused solely by wicked timewasters driving endlessly round the block in a deliberate attempt to harass pedestrians?
"We do intend to have some level of consultation" he says, but betrays his likely intentions by inferring that the decisions reached by his council, or his political party, will be unpopular with the electorate ie consultation will be ignored if it doesn't coincide with the councillors views.
It is very fashionable now for politicians at every level to justify their errors and omissions by claiming "We know best; the people don't understand what's good for them". That certainly seems to be councillor Scrivens view.
I fervently hope that he and his colleagues rediscover the ancient truth that 'The greatest happiness for the greatest number is the sole basis of morals and legislation" – and that does'nt mean just him and his mates in the town council.
Alan Bridgman
Wrecclesham Hill
Farnham
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