THANKS to the Gazette (July 11) for providing us with the information concerning the projects of a mini roundabout and pedestrian crossing in Potterne, at the end of this year.

I have been living in Potterne for the past five years, right at the corner of Silver Street and the A360.

I wish, probably like other residents in the same area, that the local councillors had the decency to knock at my door or at least to send a letter to explain the project.

Then I would have been able to explain that in five years my council tax has increased by a substantial amount.

I would have been able to tell that cleaning the street or sending a policeman to check speeding drivers twice a year cannot be justify such tax increase.

I would also have explained that I had to apply for a planning permission to re-thatch my house, because it is a listed building.

I would also have reminded that the A360 was resurfaced last year at public cost.

Finally I would have said that in five years there has been no accident at the crossroads, and therefore no justification for a re-organisation of traffic control.

I feel it easy for the local council to spend our public money without anymore investigation.

What about discussion with residents on the real needs?

For example, how about an elevated pedestrian crossing opposite the ex-pub, The Bell, next to the bus stops. It would be a cheaper solution to secure the crossing and reduce speed.

I feel bitter at having to apply for permission to improve my own house and keep it in a 16th century style, when others can decide to have a 21st century piece of urbanisation right in front of my windows without even discussing it with me.

What about the local trade? If the mini roundabout is linked to a parking restriction in Silver Street, how will the shop in the street survive?

This should have been discussed with the shop owner before taking a decision.

Potterne is a village with real charm due to its rural connotation, I feel that this project with denature this charm.

I am against the idea because it is not needed, it will cost more public money, it will not stop the speeding drivers and it will be used as a pretext to increase our tax next year.

If this project goes ahead, why stop here? Why not consider another mini roundabout at the junction between Blackberry Lane and the A360 and another one near the George and Dragon?

JEAN BLOTTIERE

The Butts

Potterne