ONE can only deplore Councillor Ashley Whalley's attitude to the residents and businesspeople's complaints about Blackburn's new orbital traffic route (LET, August 31).

His dismissive manner towards people's genuine concerns, I found distasteful in the extreme.

In marked contrast, the former mayor, Councillor Salas Kiani showed a more rational and reasoned approach to the complainants by suggesting a full consultation takes place with all concerned.

Coun Whalley shows an unwillingness to listen to people, through his statement that the council was not obliged to consult with people.

I strongly suggest he tries to emulate Coun Kiani whose good manners were the hallmark of a gentleman.

JOHN EDDLESTON, Brownhill Road, Blackburn.