I live in Greenfield Park Drive, off Stockton Lane, and I am strongly against the proposed total closure of Straylands Grove to all traffic except for those who actually live in the immediate area.

Yes, it has become an alternative route for frustrated motorists trying to negotiate the Malton Road/Stockton Lane roundabout at peak traffic times.

However, for other people who live nearby it is the way to Monks Cross shopping area and the new Park and Ride. With the "clever" bollard being in operation 24 hours a day, I and others will have to either use the roundabout or Hopgrove Lane to get there.

Recently the council's traffic department had a display of proposals for Malton Road at the Heworth Cricket Club and I asked the man in charge if the bollard could only be in operation at peak times to allow access to Malton Road for other than immediate residents. He said this question had been put to them and had been turned down.

Well, as Mandy Rice Davis once said "they would, wouldn't they" because they all will have cards to lower it. If the bollard is not to be lowered off peak, might not others, such as myself and other close residents, also obtain cards?

Geoff Kidd,

Greenfield Park Drive,

Stockton Lane, York.

Updated: 11:19 Friday, November 26, 2004