I WRITE regarding the renovation of Victoria Square and stopping the access of vehicles other than buses and taxis, as these motorists would have to travel in a round-about way of a one to two-mile radius to arrive at St Helens Market area.

The reasons of St Helens MBC for blocking-off this main highway (the statements were made in large type) for 'tranquility' and 'festive occasions' sound quite hilarious and whimsical and worthy of the comic cuts.

But to get back to a more serious note, when a public notice is printed in a local newspaper of the intention to block this highway under the Environment Act, all those people disturbed by this act - Hardshaw residents, motorists and market traders - should object very strongly by sending in their personal objections.

It should also be noted that this project began due to the buses being unable to park on the main highway and parking on the bus station, and a single line of traffic flowing smoothly down Corporation Street proves beyond doubt that it is the mismanagement of the bus authorities which is the cause of most traffic jams in this area.

In my opinion, the entrance into Bickerstaffe Street around the back of St Helens Library will cause more turmoil to that stretch of roadway and hinder the pedestrians. And anyone in a hurry to catch a bus may well be run over by coming from an obscure position, especially a child.

One would be of the opinion that the foremost concerns of St Helens MBC should be in the interest of health and safety of its citizens.

Mr C. Cunningham, Hardshaw Residents spokesman.

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