WITH regard to C Reid's attack on Councillor Adrian Shurmer (Letters, July 26), it would appear that he hadn't read his own letter before he sent it. If he had, then I am certain he would have wanted to correct it beforehand.

If pandering to populism means that Coun Shurmer wanted the support of the ordinary people, then he certainly got it at the last elections. This should have sent a clear message. The majority are not going to be ruled by the minority.

This is certainly the case with Mr Reid's minority of car driving 'idiots.' Why should we all have to suffer because of them? Traffic calming is a very emotive subject and can, if left unchecked, bring out the worst in people in both words and actions.

We, the Conservative group on Hyndburn Council, are not against road safety. Far from it. What we are looking for are sensible alternatives to make the roads of the borough safer for all users, including pedestrians. As far as Coun Shurmer's qualifications go, just look at the facts. First of all, he was a highly-trained police driving instructor. Secondly, he advised on counter terrorist evasive driving techniques and, thirdly, driving is his living - advising company car drivers on safer driving.

I doubt if any road engineers have had so much experience. It's all very good on paper, but putting it into practice is a very different ball game.

The Traffic Management Review Panel welcomes all constructive suggestions, but will not have any of its members coming under personal attack. Both political parties are involved and notice will be taken of views and opinions. This is more than has happened in the past.

COUN DOUGLAS DEAKIN (Chairman, Traffic Management Review Panel, Hyndburn Council), Station Road, Huncoat, Accrington.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.