Letter: Urban myths

Sir: It is eloquent testimony to the deep-rooted intolerance and high handedness of many urban people towards their rural fellow-citizens that, in his unpleasant and insulting letter (3 November), Michael Burgess is able to write, without any apparent hint of irony: "The countryside is for everybody, not just those few who live in it. The vast majority of people live and work in towns and have huge respect for rural areas."

Huge respect for rural areas maybe, but obviously not for rural people! The countryside is not a theme park for urban weekenders, Mr Burgess, and without viable rural communities there will be precious little countryside worthy of the term left for you and your coterie to "respect".

NIGEL HENSON

Director of Communications

Countryside Alliance

London SE11