HAVING no personal interest in the Lendal Bridge saga, except a notion that restrictions will probably create more congestion across the city, I am disturbed by the behaviour of councillors James Alexander, Dave Merrett and Tracey Simpson-Laing who are largely behind the bridge restrictions and are already making public statements as to how this measure will be of great benefit to all.

We are many weeks away from the trial period, yet their statements would indicate that the decision is already made. How can they foretell the outcome before the event?

I understand from insiders that once the trial has proved successful, then the restrictive hours on the bridge will be increased from 7am to 7pm daily. If this is the case, then should not these people come clean and display some integrity instead of contempt for the electorate?

Charlie Stone, Southolme Drive, York.

 

• I HAVE put off writing about Lendal Bridge because I am unsure if I can control the language in which my views must be couched.

I find the disastrous concept has not one saving grace: York is already sporadically gridlocked; this scheme will ensure this is a permanent state of affairs.

The buses and taxis it’s supposed to help will take much longer to attain the bridge and will meet a solid wall of traffic on leaving it, so I fail to see any advantage to them. I now see there is to be a four-star hotel at St Leonard’s: this suggests that lessening the traffic outside it might indeed have been a condition to the sale’s completion.

Having spoken to various shop keepers in the city centre, they think the council has taken leave of its senses.

Neighbours and friends have without exception shaken their heads in disbelief; I have yet to speak to a single supporter.

Ex-Yorkies have stared at me in disbelief: they cannot comprehend a single logical reason for this scheme.

Is it really a forlorn hope that this regime notes public feeling and throws out this lunatic experiment?

Dorothy Nicholson, Grange Garth. York.

 

• I SPOTTED Coun Dave Merrett on the Leeds-to-York train. He would arrive in York nice and refreshed, I thought, ready for a stroll over to his shiny new office or a gentle cycle home up Tadcaster Road, neither of which would require a pesky river crossing.

During my journey home, I got to thinking which bridge I and the other people of the settlements north of the river would use to get to work/home in the future, adding a few miles to our journeys and no doubt all using more fuel.

I pictured myself eventually arriving home in Huntington and wondered how busy the area will be when the council gets its way and builds on our green belt, be it new houses, stores, stadiums or whatever else they dream up locked in their secret cabinet meetings.

I tried to remember what drew me to choose to live here when I moved to York 20 years ago and wondered what had changed since then. Ah, yes we were in Ryedale then.

Paul Tivey, Minster Avenue, Huntington, York.

 

• HAVING read the letter from Sandra McClaren of June 14 and her comment regarding river buses, I can now smell the burning rubber and hot metal coming from deep within the council offices as the three councillors get their heads together to think river.

I can see The Press headline already: “Council leaders introduce Park and Swim”. They could also hire out rowing boats for a Park and Paddle. Sorry, but nothing from this council would surprise me.

As for the Lendal Bridge debate, it will be the shortest debate ever: three people want it shut, the majority of York residents want it open. End of debate: it’s shut.

Could this closure have anything to do with the hotel chain looking at buying the old council offices? Just think how quiet it would be for them with Lendal Bridge closed. The same thing will happen with the local plan. The council wants it, residents don’t – so it’s in. The council leaders have not listened for two years; why change now?

Mel Burley, Albion Ave, York.

 

• I WOULD love to see the new development which has taken place in front of the Minster, but I am afraid I and quite a few other people never will.

Our mobility is limited and it is not possible to park anywhere near this area, so we will have to content ourselves with photographs. Perhaps Paul Hepworth could fit a pillion seat on his bike?

Mike Usherwood, Mendip Close, Huntington, York.