Sir – P Pegler’s letter of November 13 referring to the dual role of Worcester’s highway chief John Hobbs is timely in raising this issue. However, there is a more fundamental issue relating to the roads of the county and the city of Worcester.

The roads are necessarily the arteries that feed the commercial heart of our local economy. All too regularly in recent times we see and experience absolute chaos on the local roads which could have been avoided by more appropriate planning, timing and the use of appropriate technology.

These issues have already been highlighted in the columns of the newspaper but sadly we see no improvement and certainly no empathy with the businesses that create the wealth and jobs essential for the well-being of our communities.

All too regularly it is forgotten that the bulk of our rates are contributed by the business community. Their ability to trade and prosper is often dependent on the other agencies such as the local authorities.

Given the problems that exist within our roads then a cost/benefit analysis would indicate that we should have either all or none of John Hobbs’ time.

IAN BROUGH, Chief executive, West Midlands.