In the Country

I was looking at a photo of Toad of Toad Hall (aka Eric Pickles) on my computer, and had an irresistible urge to print it out twenty times, tearing the prints into two, threading  string through them so they could hang next to the loo for use later on.

I'm told that as a member of the National Trust I am a member of a vested interest group, determined to condemn the next generation to homelessness and joblessness. Apparently  being worried that the government's proposed planning laws may wipe out swathes of our beautiful towns, villages and commons is akin to wanting the UK economy to stagnate.

It's a desperate boy (George) who claims the reason  no one is buying a home is because I and the National Trust have tractors and pitchforks barring the road to progress and prosperity. Nothing to do with a shortage of mortgage funds, stonking high deposits oh, and no work.

According to George and the Toad, massive, free for all development is the way out of our despond. Might be worthwhile asking the Irish or Spanish about that.

Instead of covering the rest of the country with third rate Barrett homes, why not improve our infrastructure; improve the inner cities, build decent social housing and get the banks to do something socially worthwhile.

But then I was always a bit of a fantasist.