If the ones at Black Lion Hill weren't bad enough, the never-ending ones on the Rothersthorpe roundabout are worse.

Add the temporary lights on the Harlestone Road into the mix and Duston and Sixfields is virtually a no-go area.

All that is being done at Rothersthorpe are a few kerbstones, yet this necessitates the closure of one lane in each of three directions.

Traffic backs up along the A43, up to and past junction 15A in one direction, up as far as Sixfields in another and up to the Blackwood Hodge roundabout in the other.

Surely there must be another way of carrying out the work without so much disruption?

The most annoying thing about all of this is that, when you finally reach the roundabout, the "workmen" are usually standing around talking, probably having a laugh at the expense of the frustrated motorists!

Do the so-called planners ever drive in the town? I think not. There is talk of regenerating the town.That's a laugh. Before much longer there won't be a town.

We can't attract shops now, without the roadworks making it almost impossible to reach the town centre.

People would rather go elsewhere to spend their hard-earned money, not watch their fuel gauge going down while sitting in one jam after another.

Come on, sort it out!
John Leonard,
Park Lane, Duston,
Northampton.

Volunteers keep properties open
This week (1-7 June) is National Volunteers' Week and I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to the many local volunteers who support our work at National Trust properties and countryside locations in the area.

Not only do volunteers give us their time and energy, they also share with us their skills, experience and enthusiasm.

Each time your readers visit a National Trust property they will benefit from the hard work of the volunteer team: a warm welcome, a beautiful garden, accessible paths, all in all a memorable day out.

Without their support, we could not ensure that our special places remain relevant and accessible to the thousands of people that visit them.

Volunteers are integral to what we do and we look to ensure that every experience is of mutual benefit.

Though we are now involving an incredible 50,000 volunteers every year throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we can always welcome more.

So, thanks again to our wonderful volunteers. Whether you give 30 minutes or three days a week, you make a fantastic difference that is hugely appreciated.
Mark Crosby,
Head of Volunteering, The National Trust.

Prescriptions should be free
I am writing to support Macmillan Cancer Support's campaign for free prescriptions in England.

No one should be in a position where they can't afford to pay for their prescriptions, yet for one in 10 cancer patients aged 55 and under who have to pay for their prescriptions, this is exactly what happens.

The Government is due to publish a consultation to review prescription charges soon, but they have already said they are not prepared to spend one extra penny on prescriptions.

This means that any reform will inevitably involve some patients losing out . . . in effect, robbing Peter to pay Paul.

I am extremely concerned that this consultation will be nothing more than tinkering with an inherently unfair system and call on the Government to make prescriptions free in England.
Michael Blakeley,
Lingfield Walk, Corby.

At last, MP Sally shows concern
Isn't it wonderful what self preservation can do?

After over a decade of supporting the Government in the lobby, even failing to vote against the post office closures, Mrs Keeble, in the wake of the lowest public support for her party ever, now publicly expresses concern about some Government policy, especially the price of petrol and the effectiveness of the tax credit system.

She is then quoted as saying "the tax system provides the means of convincing the electorate that we're on their side".

Remind me again who introduced the doubling of the tax band of the lowest earners?
A Smith,
Milton Street North, Northampton.

'Nominal' charge not mentioned
Lib Dem Mr. Hope describes the £4 entrance fee to the Balloon Festival as a "nominal" amount (Viewpoint May 30).

If the Lib Dems are so proud of this "nominal" amount, why was there no reference to it in the Council Tax leaflet?

Why did the Legal Officers at the Borough allow an advertisement which did not inform properly, despite the legal requirements for this leaflet to be factual?

Mr Hope can be as personal as he wishes but these are fair questions and should be answered.
Geoff Howes,
Alliston Gardens,
Northampton.