IT is interesting that City of York Council is considering more pedestrianisation at St Leonard's Place.

Would it make the footpaths in residential areas pedestrian only? Residents in Osbaldwick are still expected to share the single footpath in Murton Way with eight-ton buses at frequent intervals because of the narrowness of the road and its total unsuitability for the 1,000 buses a week thundering along - not forgetting the HGVs.

It seems Highway Code rule 123 ("You must not drive on or over a pavement, footpath or bridleway except to gain lawful access to property") has been suspended.

I have every sympathy with the Wetherby Road residents (Evening Press, November 12) and, like them, believe our only option on this road is to consider parking in such a way as to totally block it.

However, those residents from Wetherby Road should not build their hopes up over a petition. A similar 230-name petition relating to our traffic problem was ignored.

Embarking on a campaign to get a sensible response from council officials is like swimming in treacle.

There appears to be a direct correlation between increasing levels of the council tax and decreasing levels of accountability within the development and transport department of the council.

Oliver Starzynski,

Osbaldwick Village and Murton Way Action Group,

Murton Way, York.

Updated: 08:19 Saturday, November 22, 2003