SIR – I am writing to express my grave concerns at the determination of our councillors to continue with the plans disregarding clear government directives.

I am not in favour of shared space policy and neither do I have any confidence in the idea of losing the current roundabout which works very well as it stands. As I understand from the plan, traffic exiting from Bell Street will be either turning left to The Meads, straight on to Church Street or immediately right to The Hundred.

Meanwhile, traffic exiting from Church Street and wishing to access The Meads will have an almost impossible view of the road ahead as well as having to negotiate the aforementioned chaos emerging from Bell Street. I could go on...

I was walking along Latimer Street recently and a stationary vehicle was parked near the side gate of The Phoenix, I was on the opposite side and walking towards The Hundred. Suddenly a fast car mounted the pavement close behind me and shot past in order to continue on his merry way, leaving me wobbly to say the least.

I have witnessed other similar incidents on Bell Street also. Shared space causes so much confusion and as with society these days, there is an ever-declining attitude of consideration and respect.

Romsey is a very special place and many folk retire here.

I am elderly myself and there is an every-growing number of assisted living facilities in and around the area.

Sight and hearing loss plus mobility issues are not on the agenda of the planning authorities when they seek to pretty-up our town centre. A bold and obvious marking difference between road and pavement is essential for all age groups from the cradle to the grave.

Please will the powers that be reconsider the plan before it's too late.

Yours despairingly,

C West

Rivermead Close,

Romsey