WHILE it appears that the Tour de Yorkshire will be generally be regarded as a great success, particularly so far as the tourism industry is concerned, spare a thought for the many small businesses and residents who were affected by the numerous road closures over an extended period to make way for the riders.

On hearing that traffic islands and speed humps were removed to ensure the competitors had a smooth ride during, I share Peter Newton’s concerns (Letters, May 2) about the cost of removing and replacing these.

If, as seems likely, the Tour de Yorkshire becomes an annual event, I hope the organisers will in future consider routing the event down Longridge Lane in Poppleton, thereby ensuring that the road surface and potholes will be smoothed over so that I can once more drive my car and at least keep up with the cyclists without being shaken to bits, at the same time damaging my suspension, tyres, and good humour.

Ian Collinson, Longridge Lane, Nether Poppleton, York.