SO we learn that there will be no through route to traffic via Ledbury's Market Street when the new hospital is built. Such lack of foresight may well be regretted later. Already traffic using Lower Road/Bridge Street has increased noticeably since New Mills has been developed, causing considerable congestion where the road narrows and cars are parked because traffic can only flow in single file.

Woodleigh Road already suffers enough as a cut-through road. Both exits are hazardous. There is poor visibility due to a litter bin and a bend in the road, so cars have to edge out to see at the Bridge Street end. The road is narrow with no pavements and is regularly used by parents with prams/pushchairs, youngsters and other pedestrians at the New Street end, not to mention the weak bridge with potholes forming quickly after sketchy repairs earlier this year. Market Street would be an ideal cut-through road, being non-residential, and good access either end.

Why do we let Shaw Homes dictate when they don't even live here? Residents should be given an opportunity to air their views, surely?

It will be interesting to see if it is only "around 15 articulated lorries" visiting the site... but what about all the lesser lorries and site traffic?

These so-called improvements in the town are not so well thought out. Take the new layout at the extended tip. Come the gardening season and cars will be queuing for ages to empty their rubbish, and the old people will not find it easy to lift bags aloft and over the gap. That particular waste unit should have had an area of its own and not be placed last of all, where only two or three cars can access it at the same time. Who plans these things? Talking of which, have others noticed the newest houses being built on Lower Road which are practically touching the two tall poplar trees? One hopes lightening won't strike them or the roots start coming through the floors. Who will sue who if they blow down in a gale?

C M WARD, Victoria Road, Ledbury.