We hope these measures work

IT'S always the case that the best ideas are always the most obvious, as with proposals by Sheffield City Council to control roadworks by utility companies, including giving them powers to insist organisations co-ordinate their work rather than subject motorists to a catalogue of separate disruption.

The council would also have powers to ensure utility companies stick to pre-agreed timetables, starting on a set date and completing work by a specific time.

In fact it is highly disturbing to learn that there is no such control over companies which seem to have a green light to dig up roads when they feel want.

Everyone appreciates that their services to homes and businesses are vital and must be assured. But that has to be balanced against the need to keep the city moving. Let's hope that these new measures, if approved, are used to that end.

Government ignores warning at its peril

A REPORT to the Migration Impact Forum says what readers have warned for a long time - immigration brings major problems which are simply not being addressed by the Government.

They have often found themselves shouted down for suggesting that some migrants bring disorder and are a drain on our society. But, finally, they have been shown to have a point - and one which the Government sweeps under the carpet at its own peril.

And that warning is based on successive administrations' poor handling of the situation, not least by the decision to stop counting the number of people leaving the country which, simply put, means there is no way of knowing how many foreign nationals are now in the country.

We swear it works

SO foul-mouthed Gordon Ramsay was right...using a torrent of bad language is good for you. Experts claim that letting off steam with a stream of oaths is a great way of releasing tension. But we should point out that it doesn't run to letting the b******g boss know exactly what you think of him!