Madam – I was astonished to read that the Sidmouth Herald had taken the trouble to quiz residents about their opinions on pedestrianising Fore Street.

Madam - I was astonished to read that the Sidmouth Herald had taken the trouble to quiz residents about their opinions on pedestrianising Fore Street. This idea was kicked around many years ago until it eventually died.

Imagine the scene if only Fore Street was closed to traffic. All vehicles travelling into the town along High Street would have to be funnelled into Russell Street and thence into Mill Street or York Street. None of these roads - which accommodate two-way traffic - would be able to cope with the flood of extra vehicular activity on a permanent basis if Fore Street were to be closed.

One week of closure caused considerable congestion in these roads.

Unless all traffic could be stopped from entering the town centre at All Saints Road corner, such an idea would not be feasible. Even then, residents living in the affected streets would have to be given access and it would be difficult to restrict deliveries to shops to a limited time period.

Forget this nonsense and concentrate on something more newsworthy.

Terry and Eileen Meldrew

Core View

Higher Woolbrook Park

Sidmouth