IN answer to the question raised in relation to the Star letter in the Wiltshire Times dated March 5 from Mrs McGrath, Why did council transfer cash for improvements, I think it is worth considering the issues raised in the final paragraph of the letter.

Mrs McGrath asks: "Isn't it time the council started listening to the views of people living in the community ?"

Although it is not clear which council is referred to, it is a fact that the decision to transfer monies from expenditure on the A3098 to the B3099 was agreed by all

three tiers of local government, and was initiated by the Dilton Marsh Parish Council.

For its part, the county council recognises the concerns of the residents about the traffic difficulties at Tower Hill, and has been working closely with Persimmon Homes and their consultants to find a local solution to the immediate problems referred to by Mrs McGrath.

Indeed, consultation has taken place with all local residents and, whilst no unanimous view has been forthcoming, a consensus on the general principles has been established.

What is not mentioned is that £10,000 of the planning contribution will be available for expenditure on the A3098 in addition to the local traffic calming scheme in the vicinity of Mrs McGrath and her neighbours' houses.

FLEUR DE RHE-PHILIPE

Cabinet member for Environment

County council member,

Upper Wylye Valley