WE are writing to express our concern at the "it will be alright" attitude being taken to the traffic impact of the proposed North Site development.

As residents of Newtown Road, this increased traffic is going to have a direct effect on parking, the value of our home and noise and pollution in our home environment. The effect of this site development on the existing residents should not be ignored.

The suggestion that the existing road network could cope with the increased traffic seems flawed and the solutions suggested regarding traffic light upgrades will not reduce the amount of traffic flowing along the road and the effect of increased traffic on other junctions and side road access.

We do not have small children (yet) but are also concerned about the effects of increased traffic on small children going to two local infant/primary schools. Living opposite St Joseph's we are aware of how busy this area gets already; it is obvious that a significant increase in traffic will have safety implications.

We are also extremely concerned about the effect of further parking restrictions on local community businesses and shops. We travel to work by car and regularly stop on Newtown Road to use the bakery, newsagents, off licence, corner shop and takeaways. We do this because it is easy, convenient and free. If we have to use designated car parks and pay and display, to pop into the newsagents for example, we may as well go to Waitrose or Morrisons, where it is free and convenient.

Can we urge those responsible to please look again at the traffic issues related to the North Site development and to ensure that a more appropriate solution is in place BEFORE final approval of the North Site development is given.

If necessary postpone approval until a suitable solution is in place that meets the needs of the existing residents as well as the development site.

TINA BURNS & PAUL HAGGETT, Newtown Road, Malvern.