CITY of York Council has erroneously referred to “independent” expert legal advice over road closures. It is not independent when they have commissioned someone to support their viewpoint and used £11,330 of our money to pay for it.

In order to claim an independent legal opinion, the expert would have to be appointed by both sides and his/her fees paid in equal shares.

Labour say it would have been irresponsible not to seek external legal advice over traffic restrictions. Its logic is flawed. It was far more irresponsible not to seek legal advice before closing Lendal Bridge.

It was further irresponsible to do this without any consultation or discussions with residents or businesses — and to have no agreed data for analysis before and after the closures.

Imposing the restrictions without proper forethought was not a bold political initiative. It was a reckless, foolish and wilful piece of diktat which has cost this city dear in both money and reputation.

Matthew Laverack, Architect of this parish, Lord Mayors Walk, York.