THE self-righteous and self-regarding fusspots who tend to dominate our political life were neatly exposed in last week's Mercury (March 30). I refer to the absurd fuss and pomposity on show over the issue of the erection of parasols along the seafront.
THE self-righteous and self-regarding fusspots who tend to dominate our political life were neatly exposed in last week's Mercury (March 30). I refer to the absurd fuss and pomposity on show over the issue of the erection of parasols along the seafront. The council tells us that planning permission is required and yet planning rules permit one's house to be extended, subject to some minor conditions, by up to 15 per cent without any permission being required and commonly this goes for conservatories, too. Adding insult to injury, a spokesman for North Somerset Council is quoted as saying 'the national planning guidelines make it a requirement which we have to enforce'. When did guidelines have to be enforced? Why should such spokesmen get paid at our expense for exercises in newspeak and doublethink, reinforcing officialdom in suppressing enterprise and normal life?PHILIP BINDING - Sidcot, Winscombe
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