I THINK that the tourist from Kendal who suggested to Alison Phillips that Bradford on Avon might learn from Kendal’s pedestrianisation, was lacking in objectivity. The two towns are so different in size and geographical layout that any comparison is meaningless.

I agree that Kendal has made half a mile of its old trunk route (A6) into a very pleasant traffic free pedestrian area by moving the old A6 route into the southern part of the town centre. However, there are five major two lane road bridges crossing the River Kent in Kendal; compared to Bradford on Avon’s single narrow medieval bridge.

All of Kendal’s bridges take large vehicles, whilst still providing wide pavements for pedestrians and routes for cyclist. It is also possible to travel north to south and east to west without the need to access the central area. There are also numerous B and minor roads that locals can use to get into and out of the town.

Kendal has a primary one way circulatory system to assist in traffic flows, something that has been rejected for Bradford on Avon. There are also several good sized car parks located around the central area, thus obviating the need to drive through the centre.

Because of Due to its history and layout, Bradford on Avon has no parking other than south of the centre. But most importantly, What the tourist seemingly forgot to mention to Alison, is that Kendal also has a major trunk dual carriageway bypass and it was this that enabled Kendal to make part of the town centre a pedestrian area.

Perhaps that is the message that needs to be conveyed. So rather than wasting time visiting Kendal, the Wiltshire Council should be seeking to push for the cancelled Bradford on Avon eastern bypass as an integral part of the long term programme of A350 improvements.

Clive Adams Southway Road Bradford on Avon