Let's put the record straight. There have been plenty of letters objecting to the rising bollard proposed for Straylands Grove and some have blamed residents for requesting it.

The facts are these: The survey conducted by the council last October apparently produced a total of almost 70 per cent in favour of the bollard.

This was, however, hardly representative of the area as only about 50 per cent of households had responded. Moreover the survey was worded in such a way as to discourage any other reply, the alternatives being unlikely to attract votes.

A group of residents have now undertaken to do a more comprehensive survey aiming to visit every house in the so-called 'estate'. We merely asked whether residents were against or in favour of the bollard. Inevitably some were not at home and others did not wish to comment.

We found that, out of a total of 393 residents, 253 were against the bollard and 140 in favour, which gives a figure of 64.4 per cent against and 35.6 per cent in favour.

This result is different from the council's findings. Most of us, therefore, are adamant that Straylands and Woodlands Groves cannot be classed as a 'rat-run'. This road has always been a vital link between Malton Road and Stockton Lane and closing it to through traffic would create real problems.

Nor do we want to live in a virtual cul-de-sac.

The Traffic Regulation Order referring to this plan has now been published and all objections must be submitted to the council before March 7.

We would advise all who oppose the closure of this road to write to: Rod Jones, City Development and Transport Department, 9 St Leonard's Place, York YO1 7ET.

Jean Frost,

Elmpark Way,

York.

Updated: 10:34 Tuesday, February 15, 2005