A way must be found to reconcile Bradford’s two warring groups: those who want the Historic Core Zone to be dropped if the Market Street zebra crossing is removed; and those who want the HCZ to go ahead with a modified crossing. Without reconciliation the multi-million pound funding for this vital town improvement scheme is at risk.

A sensible first step towards reconciliation would be for the Sustainable Transport Group and the Wiltshire Council to recognise the Market Street crossing as a rather exceptional problem that demands a rather exceptional solution.

A large number of elderly people, several hundred, perhaps a thousand, live within a quarter of a mile of the crossing. Because of the peculiar layout of the town these vulnerable people are obliged to cross Market Street to reach essential services such as the bank in Church Street. And because of the peculiar layout of the road, and its relatively heavy traffic, accelerating up the hill and passing a blind side street, crossing the road here is intrinsically dangerous, even for the fleet-of-foot, were it not for the zebra.

The next step involves public relations: the Sustainable Transport Group and Wiltshire Council must let it be known that they recognise the underlying problem and are ready if necessary to modify the scheme. This step forward could include the setting up of explanatory meetings with residents of Abbey Mill and The Ropewalk, the two communities most affected. Finally, leadership: our Town Council should now come into the open and declare its unanimous support for the HCZ project on condition that full and proper consideration is given to the problems facing pedestrians, and indeed vehicle drivers, at this strategic crossing point. John and Annette Seekings, Church Street, Bradford on Avon.