I READ Nick Sheehan's article Cracking Up in the March 12 issue of the Wiltshire Times with interest. It is not only many of our Wiltshire roads that are in a defective state but the pavements/sidewalks which non-drivers rely on for safe and easy access.

York Buildings in Trowbridge is an example of a road in a dangerous state. This is a short stretch of road off Timbrell Street, leading up to St Thomas' Church which is used daily by parents taking their children to Margaret Stancomb School or St Thomas' Playgroup, and also by pedestrians going to a doctors' surgery or Trowbridge Hospital. Others use it to reach shops, a pub and Palmer Gardens.

Road users drive to and from St Thomas' Church, Vicarage, Church Hall and Rooms seven days a week. Service vehicles use it regularly. In addition the private pathway through St Thomas' churchyard provides a convenient link between the St Thomas' Road area and Timbrell Street and users from both ends enjoy the facilities of the recreation ground from the churchyard. It is well used.

Despite calls to Clarence, who seems to be ageing and therefore toothless and clawless, nothing has been done to make the pathway safe and the increasing deterioration presents a clear danger that needs immediate attention.

The road has been patched in places and is like a patchwork quilt while the pavement in parts is like a minefield caused by lorries mounting the pavement and by car users parking across the pavement in the place where York stone pavers have been removed.

During wet weather it is impossible for pedestrians to use parts of the pavement because of the deep ruts and puddles. Children have been known to trip and fall.

No doubt other readers will have accounts of similar situations in their area and it is time that action was taken to rectify the problem.

What can be done to ensure that some of the £16m allocated is used to restore and simply make safe the road and especially the footpath?

Many pedestrians do not own a car and others choose to walk or cycle rather than get the car out and clog up the road system unnecessarily.

MARGARET CHATTERTON, Bellefield Crescent,

Trowbridge.