Work in vain?

May I draw attention to the vigorous efforts of local groups and the widespread local support, without which the project would never have seen the light of day.

The idea was worked up by local organisations of walkers, cyclists and horse riders, co-ordinated by the CPRE. Parish councils, Ledbury Town Council and the Malvern Hills AONB were supportive and a comprehensive scheme was presented to Herefordshire Council in June last year. It was this scheme which was given an airing at the March meeting of Ledbury District Liaison Group.

We now await Herefordshire Council's decision in the hope and expectation that all the hard work done locally to prepare the ground for a 'quiet lanes' pilot project in this area will not have been in vain.

The need to protect our country lanes for the peaceful enjoyment of both local residents and visitors will be apparent to those who make use of them now and the steadily increasing volume of traffic on our roads will make this much more important in the future.

The CPRE has now launched a national campaign to encourage local authorities in rural areas across the country to set up similar 'quiet lanes' networks.

C E STONE, chairman Ledbury & District Group CPRE, Horse Lane Orchard, Ledbury.