Ancient lane risk

SIR – Bedmond Lane is one of the few ancient and beautiful lanes left close to the edge of St Albans. This and the lovely field visible from the first bend at the bottom of the hill on the lane are an important part of the Green Belt. There is a footpath

SIR - Bedmond Lane is one of the few ancient and beautiful lanes left close to the edge of St Albans.

This and the lovely field visible from the first bend at the bottom of the hill on the lane are an important part of the Green Belt.

There is a footpath across the middle of the field from the Verulam Estate with a bridge across the M10 (now A414) to Park Wood. Houses should never be built on this field which, with Bedmond Lane, should be preserved.

The lane should not be pedestrianised; this would deprive elderly or disabled people from enjoying it - many could not ride bicycles or walk far enough to reach Potters Crouch Plantation. This used to be much used by bird-watchers or dog walkers until so-called "golf course developers" turned part of it and the adjoining field into a construction site and rubbish dump - and motorbike riders spread from this area into the plantation. Hopefully the woods can become a pleasant walking place again when the golf course is completed.

As for a new orbital road; it already exists! The M10, now A414 to Hemel Hempstead, has already been turned into an orbital road of motorway standard.

All it needs is a short exit spur near Appspond Lane on to the A4147 Hemel Hempstead Road to connect it with St Albans - perhaps using the land now occupied by the composting site if it ceases to be used for this purpose.

This would add some traffic to Bluehouse Hill but much would continue to Hemel Hempstead and no doubt some would use it to access the new golf course when it opens.

ME BEERBOHM,

Verulam Road, St Albans