Letter: Locals want Newbury Bypass

Sir: I was surprised at your report on the decision to proceed with the Newbury Bypass ("Road protesters prepare for the battle of Newbury", 7 July).

Since the decision last December to review the scheme, an active campaign of local residents has demonstrated their overwhelming support for the Western Bypass. They inundated the Secretary of State with nearly 18,000 representations in favour of the scheme and Newbury only has a population of 27,000.

The Newbury Bypass firstwent to public consultation 13 years ago. Since then there have been two public inquiries and the recent review. A democratic decision has been made. Any attempt to delay the scheme further will only worsen the existing environmental conditions that have so upset local people.

Yours faithfully,

andrew pharoah

Campaign Co-ordinator

British Road Federation

London, SE1

7 July