Sir – In reply to Mr Richards’ questions about the Sidbury/City Walls Road junction improvement (February 26), I share his sadness at the loss of some cherry trees, which happen to be my favourite species, but the work had to be carried out quickly before the start of the nesting season at the beginning of March, and they will be replaced once the scheme is completed.

This junction is the busiest and biggest cause of congestion in the city. As a major bottleneck, we need to upgrade it and increase its capacity by installing state-of-the-art traffic lights and by realigning one of the roads.

Also, it is very unsafe for pedestrians (whom we should be encouraging) and there isn’t a single crossing so we need to install one.

For all these reasons, we have to do extensive work and find out what utilities (pipes and electrics) are underground. If anybody can tell me how we can dig the trenches, add in new infrastructure, and move a road, without removing a few trees, please let me know.

 As for consultation, it is completely impractical to consult every time some trees are affected. In this particular case, just who exactly would be consulted? Do they then have a veto to stop the £3million scheme?

In fact, the city council was indeed informed so was aware of the works and raised no objections. It was a matter for the council to decide how to inform people and its own councillors.

 At the end of the day, this major scheme is to reduce congestion and greatly enhance pedestrian safety, and we need to get on with it.

Cllr Alan Amos

County Council Cabinet Member for Highways