YOUR ill-informed and emotionally charged correspondent from Kidderminster (Shuttle/Times and News Letters, May 9) who suggests that opposition to the massive Bewdley traffic-calming project is based on selfishness has missed the point by a mile.

The fact is that this intrusive scheme with its 60 road obstacles in the confined roads west of Bewdley simply cannot be justified on the basis of historical accident statistics.

It is a gross exaggeration to talk in terms of the project saving lives; the traffic conditions and safety record in the area does not support this at all.

All the evidence and the experience of the Bewdley residents who live in the affected area confirms the widely held view that this project is a serious misuse of taxpayers money.

What is more the £400,000 that this proposal will finally cost actually means that those areas with proven road safety problems will be denied the cash they need for their own justifiable projects.

Ask the residents of Northwood Lane, The Queensway, Stourport Road, Severnside South ! Waste in one area always means less investment in areas where it is really needed.

The 'decent' residents of Bewdley are not opposed to modern speed reduction devices (not bumps which are old science!) where they can be shown to be essential.

The scale and expense of this project would pay for an extra Bewdley GP for five years; a policeman in the town centre for 15 years; or 10 extra nurses for three years, and really does offend common sense.

It is really disappointing that local politicians who are elected to serve the electorate do not see it the same way.

They have ignored the views of residents and so the town poll is the only way we have of convincing them of widespread opposition to this ludicrous scheme.

So here we have a typical situation of those in power 'knowing what is best for all of us' ignoring the common sense views of residents who intend to mount a challenge through the ballot box.

Sounds a bit like one other 'people power' campaign in the area, doesn't it!

MICHAEL HARDIMAN

Park Lane, Bewdley