I have read with interest the comments of George Ferguson in his recent columns.

A few weeks ago he was implying that people who signed a petition in favour of building a superstore at Ashton Gate should be ignored if they didn't live in Bristol. In his most recent column he argues that these same people are part of the conurbation of Bristol and, in effect, should contribute to the transport infrastructure of greater Bristol.

In the previous week's column he states that Ashton Vale is the worst place to build an arena. It then emerges that he is behind a scheme to build a rival arena at Temple Meads (surprise).

He extols the virtues of protecting North Street from the developments at Ashton Gate. Meanwhile, his development at the Tobacco factory and its giant bar have probably contributed to the closing down of two pubs in the neighbouring district of Ashton. He seems to have different sets of values depending on which area of his life is threatened.

Richard Lane,

Knowle.

● IT is George Ferguson and his friends who have their heads buried in the sand regarding the "non-co-operation" of surrounding councils and transport policy.

Thankfully we have, in North Somerset, a council that can see the "bigger picture". One only has to see the mess Labour- and Lib-Dem-run city councils have made of the city centre (what was simpler than the previous one-way system?), and now the idiotic proposed closure to cars of the Prince Street bridge, to realise that anything these people "plan" to keep the anti-car/cycling, bendy bus brigade happy, only has the desired effect of making adjoining councils question the competency of these people.

The majority do not wish to cycle everywhere – especially in this climate – when going to work or shopping.

Captain Fred Birmingham,

Portishead.