Kate Nottage, in her recent letter, seems to be casting about for everything bad about schemes such as the Historic Core Zone proposed for Bradford on Avon, and implemented without loss of life elsewhere up and down the country.

I have no experience of those mentioned except Julian Road, which is an extremely small scheme and in no way comparable to that proposed for Bradford on Avon.

I am, however, familiar with that at South Kensington and I can assure you that it works like a dream.

This scheme is of huge importance to the future of Bradford, and it is very unfortunate that opposition has focused on one thing, the zebra crossing, and chosen to ignore the many benefits that will flow from it.

The taming of the traffic is but one, and I am sure that we can all agree that this is vital for the town’s future.

But over and above this is the fact that Wiltshire Council is prepared to spend money on the town, and if we miss this opportunity, it will not be repeated.

Other towns will seize the opportunity to improve their environments, and we shall be left in the shade while they prosper.

It may not be generally known that Melksham is going to be transformed when the restoration of the Wilts and Berks Canal is completed, and it is reckoned that the local economy will benefit by some £7.5 million a year.

For those of us who trade in Bradford the HCZ represents a golden opportunity for the town to shake off its rather drab and rundown appearance in favour of one vibrant with optimism.

Those who oppose it, should they carry the day, will be able to congratulate themselves on saving a zebra crossing and destroying a town.

EM Rooth, Rooths of Bradford on Avon, Market Street.