Conti trades insults with Aaronovitch over parking

Tom Conti has launched a stinging attack on David Aaronovitch, after the journalist called him "that ridiculous actor" for his campaign against parking regulations. Speaking at Burgh House earlier this month the Times columnist said wanted to spearhead an

TOM Conti has launched a stinging attack on David Aaronovitch, after the journalist called him "that ridiculous actor" for his campaign against parking regulations.

Speaking at Burgh House earlier this month the Times columnist said wanted to spearhead an anti-Tom Conti campaign.

"Every time someone tries to interfere with his bloody motor car he complains to the local newspapers. They think he's an important man, but he's not - he's a bloody nuisance," he said.

But Mr Conti has defended his stance, flinging some of his own insults at the writer's work.

He told the Ham&High: "I was first misrepresented some time ago by Mr Aaronovitch when he said in his column that I and my mates wanted to be able to park wherever we liked. That is far from the truth - and I don't have 'mates'.

"He is quoted as saying, 'One thing I have never had to do is write something other than what I think.' Unfortunate, since thinking doesn't seem to be his talent.

"If it was he might take more care to investigate the facts, realising that inaccuracy and emotional vomit cause thinking people to take what he writes with a large pinch of salt.

"What I hate is bullying. Ken Livingstone and certain local authorities have for years robbed and bullied people who use vehicles, be they millionaires or a little man with a van trying to make a living. I care about individuals. Mr Aaronovitch considers me to be a 'bloody nuisance.' Good. I shall strive always to be an even greater bloody nuisance to him - and his mates."

o To read more of Mr Conti's comments, see next week's Ham&High.