ONE of the most technically challenging and innovative bridges ever seen in this country has been built across the Ouse.

We will now be able to cross this bridge and see our city in a new way: one with a brilliant past and a breathtaking future.

Eight years ago a small group of people had a simple idea - to build a bridge across the Ouse. The next few years were like a relay race with the baton - the idea - being passed from hand to more competent hand.

From the Millennium Bridge Forum, to the Millennium Bridge Trust and the City Council; from the Trust to Whitby and Bird; from Whitby and Bird to Spencers and Meldans and their skilled people.

At each stage the idea of the bridge has been enthusiastically and generously supported by local people, schools, businesses and the media. And each one of us who at some time has bought a lottery ticket has contributed to making the concept become a stunning reality.

Today we have all won the jackpot!

The Millennium Bridge Forum thanks everyone for making this happen.

John Oxley,

Belle Vue Street,

Heslington Road, York.

...I WAS delighted the Evening Press highlighted the problems that have been experienced since the opening of the Millennium Bridge (April 19).

I should like to spotlight some other problems the opening of the bridge has caused.

The number of people using the area for walking dogs on the Fulford side of the river has greatly increased. Most dog owners clear up after their dogs. However there is a shortage of bins in this area which results in them overflowing and bags of dog excrement scattered nearby.

This is unhealthy and unsightly. The solution is a few more dog bins which are regularly emptied. There has been an increase in the number of cyclists using the cycle/pedestrian way. The problem here is that it is not clearly marked which confuses new cyclists.

Many responsible cyclists do slow down as they pass pedestrians, but others speed past with out any warning. Maybe clear signs would help with this problem.

Also, if cyclists had a bell then everyone's safety could be greatly enhanced. It also needs people - pedestrians and cyclists - to consider each other.

Geoff Alderson,

Maple Grove, Fulford Road, York.

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, April 25, 2001