I learnt yesterday with some consternation that the rumours that the Forestry Commission have entered into negotiations with a developer about a Western by-pass scheme for Bourne which would encroach into Bourne Wood have been confirmed by the Commission.

I have today written to Mr Paul Hill-Tout, Director of the Forestry Commission for England, asking to see the plans and requesting a meeting to discuss them.

Of course Bourne needs a North-South bypass. I have said so for many years and – in vain – lobbied the District Council many years ago to make development on the eastern side of the town conditional on such a by-pass being constructed to the east. I continue to believe that a by-pass to the east is feasible.

Last Friday I went to the Grantham Youth Parliament, bringing together young people from all three sixth forms in Grantham – the College, the King’s School and K.G.G.S.

It was excellently organised by Bex Mezzo of the South Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service and held in the large and bright ‘Coffee Republic’ in the George Centre.

The object was to debate the future of Grantham. In the margins we spoke about most other subjects too.

There are always a few curmudgeonly people who complain about the younger generation (“selfish, irresponsible, undisciplined” etc). I wish they had been there. They would not have found more sensible, thoughtful, better mannered human beings.