I have waited until the results of the Historic Core Zone poll were known before writing, as my comments may have sounded more like sour grapes if the plan had gone ahead.

Thankfully this ill-conceived plan has been overturned by the majority of ordinary people voting. This campaign has been nasty and bitter with even the reporting from your own paper just a couple of days before the actual vote took place totally unrepresentative of the views of many people.

The whole front page was dedicated to telling how the business of the Bradford on Avon favoured the HCZ, the entire Letters page in that issue was dedicated to people in favour of it with one small exception. Nothing could have been further from the truth as some businesses did not favour it but because of the nature of the campaign kept quiet and left it to the public to have their say.

We opposed to the scheme, couldn’t have our say at the public meetings, as any objection to the HCZ was shouted down, including one councillor who was told to shut up at one that I attended. I am surprised that some are not willing to accept the democratic view of the majority and would consider an appeal.

To suggest that I and those opposed to the HCZ were the same ‘negative folk’ that scuppered the plans for the new footbridge because they simply didn’t like the look of it is untrue. In fact, I suspect the reverse is the case. The campaign seems to be led by some shops in fear of going out of business.

Maybe they should ask why a small town actually needs three gent’s hairdressers and umpteen antique shops and knickknack places. The building in Trowbridge of its new cinema and numerous new restaurants (with another on the way) and a large, reasonably-priced hotel is probably the reason why some trade has dropped in Bradford.

Good businesses at the top of their game are still doing very well. It always amazes me on a beautiful Sunday with the town full of visitors that most of the restaurants and shops are closed, with many choosing to take Monday off as well; maybe things are not quite as bad as they like to make out.

Let’s come up with a scheme to try and relieve some of the traffic problems including adequate parking for visitors and residents who want to use the local shops and amenities, but can’t, or choose not to walk. Perhaps the planners could consider only those residential planning submissions that include off-road parking.

Something much more cost-effective and easier to implement without creating some kind of hell for those poor people who live in Bradford simply trying to make their way from the top of town to the doctors, train station, swimming pool etc and the reverse. I guess, as I was told at one public meeting, the answer is simple... walk, mate, which is not an option for all.

Mike Brigham, Bradford on Avon Taxis, Station Approach, Bradford on Avon.