I AM writing to express our serious concerns over the proposed installation of traffic lights at the junction of Bishopthorpe Road and South Bank Avenue.

As yet, we have not spoken to anyone who feels there is a need for lights at this junction. In fact, most people are of the opinion that it will cause further backing-up of traffic on Bishopthorpe Road.

In addition to the traffic lights, bollards are planned for the site in front of Eperon, York Physiotherapy Clinic and Abbeyfields Veterinary Centre.

This will mean clients and customers will have no access to the parking in front of these premises.

At Abbeyfields, many of our clients are elderly, or have sick animals that need to be carried. Parking further up the street will make this extremely difficult.

Some of our clients may decide to go to our main surgery in Clarence Street, where they can park outside the building. This will increase traffic problems in the centre of York.

The vets often transport animals to and from Clarence Street, which also reduces client travelling into the centre of York.

All in all, these changes will be a bad thing for a thriving local community and are, we believe, unnecessary.

Lesley Edwards,

Partner,

Abbeyfields Veterinary Centre,

Clarence Street,

York.

Updated: 09:39 Monday, November 15, 2004