SIR – Congratulations to my fellow citizens of Worcester and to the Sustrans Connect2 project on the commencement of the new footpath from Waverley Street to our useful and beautiful new bridge.

It is entirely in keeping with the city transport strategy that promotes sustainable travel, especially better facilities for cycling and walking. I agree entirely with Councillor Prodger, who is to be congratulated on his work as county cabinet member for transport and safe environment. Thanks to the excellent signposting, those of us who so desire – and many of us do – can now cycle or walk from Diglis or St John’s to Gheluvelt Park via our newly-named Riverside Park and admire our new water splash or contemplate our interesting, informative and striking new war memorial – but not on race days. Oh no, sir. On race days all strategies on transport and the environment play second fiddle to the commercial interests of Worcester Racecourse, a private company which leases ‘part’ of Pitchcroft.

The city council and Worcester Racecourse rely on the Worcester City Council Act 1984 to close Pitchcroft on race days. It is an anachronistic piece of legislation which relates to the time when the council organised horse racing on Pitchcroft.

It is unnecessary, inconvenient and totally contradictory to the city signposts and the council’s own transport strategy. It is also stupid as the lower river footpath is accessible to the public at all times. In any event, permitting public access across Pitchcroft on race days is not incompatible with the commercial interests of Worcester Racecourse.

As a city councillor Mr Prodger should finish his task and open the whole route 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He is on the board of Worcester Racecourse, so he could get his colleagues to agree to leave the Waterworks Road gates open.

John McCammont, Worcester