The leaflet promoting the first stage of the Historic Core Zone in Bradford on Avon is now being delivered to residents, prior to a ‘yes/no, you decide’ parish poll, and it is misleading in several ways.

It makes unsubstantiated claims about support from local groups, including the Preservation Trust and the Senior Citizens’ Forum. As a member of both I know that the opinion of neither membership has been sought.

Many from both groups, and probably also from other groups cited (some with very few members), had been among the 1,200 signatories of the Save Our Zebra petition in February.

At the Seniors annual meeting on April 9, a show of hands indicated a clear majority with doubts, which were not allayed by a further presentation and little debate on May 28.

Furthermore, the leaflet proclaims ‘Pedestrians first?’. The question-mark is appropriate, since pedestrians would lose right of way on the zebra crossing in Market Street, and have to challenge two-way traffic on less visible and unregulated ‘courtesy’ crossings. Also, the tick-box ‘equality impact assessment’ of the plans fails to excuse the obvious discrimination against less agile pedestrians, the handicapped, elderly and children.

And the denial of any deterioration of air quality is breathtaking!

One can only applaud the good intentions, and all the time and effort devoted to Bradford’s traffic problems.

Sadly, however, the emerging scheme promises no amelioration of excessive traffic volume and limited street space, and probably worse congestion and exhaust pollution from impeded traffic flow.

As in the Scottish referendum, voting yes for change seems more positive and hopeful.

However, in this case, for the safety, mobility and accessibility of pedestrians, and for air quality, voting no would be wiser.

Godfrey Marks, Newtown.