FOR anyone living on the west side of York, it has never been more important to cross the River Ouse than it is today.

Due to planning decisions made over the past 30 years, the proliferation of retail developments almost exclusively to the east of York, Clifton Moor, Monks Cross, McArthur Glen and most of the city-centre retail trade, requires the need to cross the river.

Likewise, the hospital, all council re/cycling facilities, the university, theatre’s, football and rugby grounds, and what’s left of York’s manufacturing base are all east of the river.

If the main corridor from the West Riding to the East Coast is included in the list, it is easy to see why crossing the River Ouse is of paramount importance to York and its citizens.

Which is why the decision to restrict traffic crossing Lendal Bridge is shortsighted and lacking in any credibility. and can only be bad for York.

Trevor D. Scott, Boroughbridge Road, York.