I'VE just been to a meeting organised for the traders and residents in Broad Street to discuss the council's proposed 'traffic calming' measures, and feel compelled to write to the press, the council and our MP.

The council representatives (including the highways officer Jon Fraser) listened sympathetically to the traders' concerns, and the problems of the residents, which were mostly regarding parking, a problem which will be exacerbated by the proposed measures. However, when questioned regarding the need for speed restrictions along Broad Street, Mr Fraser admitted there is not an accident problem in the area, nor has any research at all been undertaken regarding the number of vehicles using the road, or the speeds at which they travel. The idea for traffic calming came from a Government white paper, when John Prescott decided all children should walk to school, or catch the bus - a nice idea, and one which I support in principle, but not one that is going to influence the pupils and parents at Sidemoor First School.

Mr Fraser went on to admit that the measures for Broad Street were deigned by somebody in the county council who does not even know the area.

However, the council has to sort it out quickly as the £30,000 they have been allocated has got to be spent by the end of March - basically they would rather spend the money and make a mess of the road, than make the necessary diligent enquiries and get it right. Whatever happened to common sense? Does it always disappear when a party gets into power? If the council insists on spending £30,000 at all costs, the scheme will certainly be a 'white elephant,' and will then need more of our money to sort it out.

Richard Godsall,

Jukes Insurance Brokers,

Broad Street,

Bromsgrove.