Political wars of words aren't what they used to be. With some notable exceptions – usually sorted out by Jackie Weaver – local government is a little more civilised than it was decades ago.

Take the ongoing row at York City Council over a proposed new railway station at Haxby. It's the usual joust between political groups, with the incumbent Lib Dems accusing opposition Labour councillors of trying to undermine the much-needed project. But it's all so painfully polite.