I think a history lesson here, Luton has been prevented, since the 70s by successive Government interference of the councils spending thus preventing the required capital investment.....correct me if I'm wrong. SASKATOON9999, being LTN based for a good number of years you should know this.
The council has made mistakes and I'm sure will do again in the future.
We all have to use/work and function with what we have, I think this is true, more so in the current climate or any job at the moment.