HOW insulting of a council highways official to stand before the public inquiry into the proposal for 300 houses and a primary school to be built at Quakers walk in Devizes and tell families they are to blame for an increase in traffic.

The objectors who are battling these plans have worked hard to put up an effective opposition on planning and environmental grounds.

But to have their efforts dismissed by a council official, who tried to fob off the inspector by saying the 300 homes will not increase traffic in the town if everyone walks, is just insulting.

Yes, Philip Tilley, Wiltshire County Council's transport and development manager, is right, there would be far less traffic if everyone kept their cars in the garage but he, and everyone else, knows that is not going to happen.

We live in the age of the car where even a trip to the newsagent's warrants jumping into the family vehicle.

Then there are the mums with small children, and the elderly who struggle with illness and infirmity. Should they be banned from going to the shops unless they are prepared to slog it on foot, even in poor weather?

Mr Tilley's remarks were insensitive and poorly chosen and does the council's case no good at all.