• DURING the last bank holiday, without any prior warning, I had an excruciating toothache.

I was in much distress, but my surgery was closed and the emergency consultation offered was in 18 days. At first the pain was almost unbearable, managing only on painkillers and sympathy.

But after a while, when nothing had changed, people stopped asking me about it or taking any notice. And if I complained people just raised their eyebrows because they’d become bored with the “same old”.

Eventually even I began to get used to it. It was still debilitating, changing my way of life, but I managed. I had to.

I write this not to criticise our National Health Service but because it’s much the same as with the LTNs, low traffic neighbourhood schemes.

They arrived without notice and caused distress; those not suffering showed little concern or have now lost interest; consultation and review are ages away; meanwhile, those adversely affected are left to struggle and expected somehow to manage.

Perhaps this is Islington Council policy, ignore the problems LTNs cause and maybe everyone will be so used to them after 18 months that there will be little outcry if nothing is done to help those, like the disabled and businesses, who are suffering.

In the end I found a sympathetic dentist who gave me time, listened to me, and solved the problem – three hours of root canal treatment – and the pain was gone.

If only the council were that responsive and caring to the residents it’s inflicting pain on.

RICHARD SMITH
Highbury Hill, N5