SIR – You kindly printed my letter last week (September 18) commenting on the fact that Councillor Derek Prodger was looking beleaguered despite his courageous stand in ignoring common sense and the public will over the Newtown bus lane.

But I was wrong to think he was without friends. Firstly, your very own John Phillpott, whose column I always enjoy, seemed to suffer a temporary loss of judgement in commending Mr Prodger and his efforts on our behalf. Just a slight lapse I hope as he gets back on track.

And then, blow me down, up pops our very own mayor, who was good enough to confide via your newspaper that he had had a chat with Mr Prodger who had explained to him in detail the trials and travails of the bus lane.

He kindly told us he was satisfied with what the councillor told him.

So thanks for that, Mr Mayor.

If you are happy then that surely must be good enough for us lesser mortals.

Oh, just one thing, though. Perhaps you might be good enough to explain to those of us who have the temerity to doubt your wisdom exactly why you are so sanguine about something the majority of us who live here think is a total waste of our money.

Tim Palmer, Worcester