I feel she should now face up to the realities that face many in this area, and fuel price drifts into insignificance in comparison.

I, like others due to the nature of our chosen career, have to commute to and from London. The alternative is to live in London, which is beyond most of us.

A season ticket from Rugby to London using Virgin and including parking costs about £7,000. From Northampton to London using London Midland, also including parking, is £5,500.

I also have to run a car to get to the railway station.

In February 2008 the cost of rail travel for many increased by 10 per cent.

Fuel costs make up a small part of most people's travel costs.

The Government cannot afford to reduce the cost of fuel – they want to appear green and the tax raised is required to fill a rather large 'Brown' hole.

Also it does not have any control over fuel price as the market drives the price.

Miss Woods' plight is heart-felt, however the sooner she comes to terms with the facts and realities of commuting the better.

This from someone who faces a two-hour commute each way, each day, by road, rail, foot and tube. A 58 miles round trip in a car would be a blessing!

Simon Harrison
Victoria Close
West Haddon