I wonder how many other residents took the opportunity to enjoy looking at the shops and buildings in Gillygate without the fumes, noise and distraction of traffic?

Your report ('Normal Surface Resumes', November 11) concluded with the comment from the owner of Bubbles: "Now it remains to be seen whether traders want the route pedestrianised."

Last Wednesday, when the road was still closed, I asked the assistant in the caf where I had lunch how business had been. I was told that once the resurfacing works had finished directly outside, trade had been very good. I got the last table at 12.30, with other people coming in and choosing to use the outside tables to the rear or wait for space. The other caf on the street was equally full.

I doubt that the street could be completely pedestrianised all the time, but, just imagine if it could be closed to most traffic during the middle of the day and on Sundays, or limited to use by buses, cycles and emergency vehicles, how much more pleasant it would be.

A one-way arrangement might even give scope to add loading or limited waiting and disabled parking bays that would benefit the traders and discourage some of the 40 per cent of traffic in the city centre that is passing through rather than going to the centre. These sorts of changes have been modelled by traffic experts as possible ways to meet our legal air quality targets, but the Liberal Democrats lack the vision and imagination to even consider them. Bigger roundabouts, Smart cars and 'green waves' are not the only answer to our pollution and congestion problems.

Coun Andy D'Agorne

Green Party

Broadway West

York

Updated: 10:27 Monday, November 14, 2005