Tom Conti defends his stance on parking

Ham & High 24

editorial@hamhigh.co.uk

12 May 2006

Where does Tom Conti get off, claiming he speaks for the people? So begins Val Bynner's letter (H&H May 5). I have never made such an arrogant, imbecilic claim. She goes on to suggest that people are swayed by 'clamour and glamour'. That may have an effect when choosing between recordings by Vanessa Mae or Nathan Milstein but it is an insult to people to suggest that in matters politic, they are so easily swayed.People may, however, need encouragement to take their opinion to the ballot box. I simply attempted, by advertising in this excellent paper, to provide that encouragement. I have never been against parking restrictions but I will always be against bullying and state robbery. Camden charges very high rents and business rates, then frightens customers away with spy cameras and parking attendants who give no quarter. Raj Chada, ex-leader of the council, blamed his losses on 'national circumstances'. Wrong. He and his party colleagues caused a large section of residents to feel persecuted so they removed him - and for this I compliment them.Mrs Bynner suggests that I lend my weight to the improvement of state education. I have been doing so for years, but it doesn't get the headlines. She should watch BBC2's The Daily Politics on, I think, June 14.Tom Conti