I read with interest the conflicting views of traders in Wood Street on the merits of pedestrianisation. It seems to me that a good old fashioned British compromise is required here!

The road is currently wide enough to accommodate three car widths. The carriageway could comfortably be narrowed by around two metres, which would make the footpaths wide enough to allow for outdoor seating and pedestrians, while still retaining kerbside parking and keeping the road open to traffic. Everyone's a winner!

It seems sensible that any initiative to improve the street should be co-ordinated by the Old Town Business and Professional Association (OTBPA), which represents many of the businesses in the street and is supportive of measures to improve the environment for A3 use, while keeping the street open to traffic, which the retail businesses see as a lifeline.

Peter Lawson

(OTBPA committee member)

Old Town