SIR: Romsey residents for the last year have endured the unsightly red and white barriers blocking The Hundred to vehicles, a shameful blot on our market town.

Apart from the appalling state of the pavements, the cause of many accidents, it is perfectly safe for pedestrians to walk through the town.

I suggest that the Mayor and members of Hampshire County Council walk a circular route from the Bypass via the Market Place along The Hundred and back up Palmerston Street. I wonder how many will trip over the uneven paving slabs and patchwork of layers of tarmac? Good luck! Please don't even consider spending even more money on Mr Cooper's hairbrained schemes. Concentrate on the safety of our Romsey pedestrians so that fewer accidents occur. Get your priorities right!

Mrs Sarah Dupont,

Romsey