I write in response to the letter published last week from Annie Richards.

Not only do I wish to reiterate her views, but also to highlight another problem caused by this stretch of the A4.

Most of the junctions she refers to also act as crossing points for Bridleways and the speed of traffic and general poor visibility make negotiating these crossings both difficult and dangerous.

I keep my horse at Manton, and if I wish to ride on the Marlborough Downs I have no choice but to cross the A4.

Coincidentally on July 6 this is exactly what I did, crossing initially at the Lower Fyfield turning.

The view right towards Marlborough is obstructed by low over-hanging branches which mean you have to ride your horse out into the carriageway to see if there is any traffic coming.

If there is you need to make a hasty retreat, and if there isn't, by the time you have glanced left and right again another vehicle has coming speeding over the hill from the Beckhampton direction, which means the whole procedure must be repeated.

Last week it took me five minutes to negotiate this crossing, by which time, having endured speeding motorbikes and lorries, my horse was in an extremely anxious state (and I wasn't feeling too happy.).

We returned via Clatford Farm, this time to be faced with vegetation that had been allowed to grow so high I was unable to see if there was any traffic approaching from the right.

This time I had no choice but to wait until the road sounded quiet and then make a dash for it.

I therefore wish to endorse Ms Richards suggestion of imposing a speed limit on this stretch of the A4 and to improve the warning signs, including ones to warn motorists that horses might be crossing.

I'm perfectly willing to loan one of my horses to the highways officers when they take up Ms Richards suggestion of trying these junctions forthemselves.

Rosemary Riley

Easton Royal

Pewsey