SOMETIMES a quite significant remark is overlooked in the hurly-burly of controversy (Letters, February 25). York Older People’s Assembly seems a worthy sort of organisation: its views should not be ignored.

Under the amiable chairmanship of Bob Towner and with the invaluable assistance of Tracey Simpson-Laing, members called for the Lendal Bridge evaluation report “to be widely available for comment” before the council’s decision is revealed. One can’t imagine implementing that would give Councillor Simpson-Laing’s colleagues or Mr Towner’s former colleagues any sleepless nights.

Our astute elders They also discovered (rather like Goldilocks) that opening the bridge to traffic all day was too little; closing the bridge to traffic all day was too much; but keeping the bridge closed 10.30am-5pm was just right. Now why didn’t the planners think of that? It would look like a compromise and represent a gesture towards residents’ views in the finest traditions of York democracy.

Just imagine! These 44 quinquagenarians could have more influence on council policy than all those irate resident and visiting motorists put together.

William Dixon Smith, Welland Rise, Acomb, York.