I AGREE strongly with the points raised by Mrs G Read (Citizen: January 4 ) I and many thousands are in favour of the by-pass going ahead, and like most of us, the sensible thinking types, realise it should have been built at least ten years ago. The problem is, that this issue has gone beyond the normal debating stage. Geraldine Smith has vigorously campaigned on our behalf for its construction, the plans were approved months ago.

What it really boils down to is, who is in whose pocket. For example, one person living at Heysham Head doesn't like fireworks, the result is the annual firework display for hundreds of people is scrapped. So if one man can do that, think what a handful of rich land owners, who may be affected by the new road can do. Get my drift. I hope I am wrong, I like to think we live in a democratic society, but just to be sure, I would suggest that the local authority sets up a referendum vote on the subject, a simple yes or no ballot paper.

If the authority agrees, we can be more confident of democracy, it would take responsibility away from those likely to be influenced by others. If the authority declines the referendum suggestion, we are left, only to think the worst.

John Harris

Cauldron Home Brew

Euston Road

Morecambe