“HERBIE Goes Bananas!” I refer of course to the bizarre film about a wilful motor car, not to our revered Councillor Thomas, whose opinions on the demise of our ailing city centre have raised questions as to his suitability for office.

Bananas are notoriously bent and yellow, adjectives which should never be applied to loyal and conscientious representatives of the people. Ah, breathe soft, Herbie; your reputation gallops before you and I am sure will weigh in your favour in the final judgement (or even in the next local election). After all, it would be so ironical to be unzipped by your own statements at this stage of your career, wouldn’t it?

Julian R Powell Larch Grove Newport