THE definition of parallel lines is never far from our thoughts when a third bridge over the Thames is up for discussion.

Despite the powerful arguments in favour, on both economic and logistical grounds from the Reading side of the great divide, there has long been resistance on the most fundamental level from the neighbours in Oxfordshire.

While we applaud Reading East MP Rob Wilson for putting a few cracks in those barriers of obduracy, by at least getting the interested parties around a table to talk, the cynicism all too prevalent in their Westminster surroundings would appear to have rubbed off on one or two.

Oxfordshire’s fears that a new bridge will suddenly send a six-lane motorway plunging through its green glades and pastures in the general direction of the M40 and the Arctic Circle are clearly not eased by assurances from Reading’s political leadership that nothing is further from their plans. But at some stage we suspect Reading might also need to dispel the rumours about its own ambitions to find an outlet for yet another bus lane!

Either way, the talking must go on. A bridge too far is better than a river to nowhere.