The belligerent nature of Nigel Bell’s comments about Peter Taylor, Watford’s elected Mayor, are rude and unwarranted. (‘Mayor should speak out’, Letters, December 7). The language is hardly measured - “It will not do…” for him to distance himself. “What a mealy mounted cop out.” “Why didn’t he make a big issue?” “He should have spoken out publicly.”

READ MORE: When did mayor know about David Icke talk?

It is necessary to fulfil the elected office of Watford mayor that he/she address every foolish and absurd beliefs of persons such as David Icke? Is this part of his/her civic duty?

We live in a society which tolerates the views and opinions of individuals unless the views are hostile to the welfare of the public order.

If you want freedom to express your views you have to grant the same freedom to others whose views are different - even contrary - to your own. It is because this freedom exists that Nigel Bell is able to adopt a critical view of David Icke and express his ill-mannered opinion of Peter Taylor.

What is astonishing to me is that the views of David Icke are supported by very large numbers of men and women worldwide. People pay £30 or $50 to attend his lectures, such is the attraction of nonsense to the vacant mind.

I have frequently asked, myself why over the past fifty years have the moral, ethical, scientific and religious thought leaders failed to speak out for balanced reason and common sense in the face of such foolishness in many areas of life?

Patrick J Boyle

Garston Drive, Watford