IT NEVER ceases to amaze me, the number of people who complain when the armed forces prevent them from "making progress" or, in this case, Dave Stansfield wanting to "Drive HGVs off town's roads," (LT, September 14).

I'd like to know who he thinks roads were built for. I imagine the authorities built them purely so he could drive his car whenever and wherever he pleases, and not for the mobility of armed forces to protect our nation and transportation of goods by HGVs .

Perhaps we should ban all non-essential vehicles, other than ponies and traps, pedal cycles and the occasional bus service in order to keep the damage in check.

Children would once again be able to play football in the road, collect free fertiliser and especially in our current state of emergency, allow the bomb squads clear routes to any emergencies they need to attend.

It's my guess the signatories of the petition use goods and services provided by national and international providers. As such, I fail to see how they can justify his petition where it seems they want all the benefits of national services provided locally, yet to ban vehicles which enable their provision.

I support the cause, walking to work, supporting local business, working farms, spending 50 per cent of income on food, sending children up chimneys and not being able to get a loaf of bread after 3pm.

Unfortunately, as the supermarkets are so convenient, I guess I'll have to put up with roads being used by those they were originally built for.

R M LAWSON, Hudson Street, Burnley.