Going under...

SIR — Hatfield Road is under threat of drowning. A big roundabout at Alban Park is proposed to service an extra 4,000 vehicles a day from the massive Oaklands Smallford development that includes 62 dwellings, new educational buildings and floodlit sports

SIR - Hatfield Road is under threat of drowning. A big roundabout at Alban Park is proposed to service an extra 4,000 vehicles a day from the massive Oaklands Smallford development that includes 62 dwellings, new educational buildings and floodlit sports pitches - all on the Green Belt - planning ref 5/2008/0620.

On the same application is a similar-sized roundabout at the junction with Colney Heath Lane that will imply a major junction and short cut to the North Orbital, along what is effectively a semi-rural lane complete with a weak bridge and a 7.5-tonne weight limit.

Closer to the city, at Beaumont School, traffic lights will control a new road that will service 500 cars a day for another large development with 78 dwellings, new educational buildings and floodlit sports pitches - ref 5/2008/0812.

As it can already take half-an-hour to drive the two miles to St Albans city centre, a car is going to become a meaningless accessory.

London Road will be even worse if Tesco get their way (ref 5/2008/0370), and St Peters Street is already a no-go area.

Please write to the district council's planning department at the Civic Centre offices to let them know your opinions. As for me, I'm off to buy some new walking boots!

CHRIS ATKINS,

Glenbower Court, St Albans