Slow build

SIR – Nicholas Wightwick (Letters, July 2) is sadly correct in his assessment of our current lethargic work rate.

It took six months to build a new roundabout on the A25, but during a visit to Hong Kong we were shown a new skyscraper where another had stood three months earlier.

Developers in Britain used to be able to complete projects in a timely manner, but are now constricted by excessive bureaucracy and influential pressure groups. NH Conrad

Tandridge, Surrey

SIR – In 1845 the railway baron George Hudson completed the 42 miles of track connecting York to Scarborough. Work had taken a year and three days. John Howard

Malton, North Yorkshire