In danger

SIR, — Early in 2007, Herts Highways removed the pedestrian traffic island in the middle of Beech Road between the King William pub and the Total garage making it unsafe for people to cross there and nigh on impossible for the elderly, infirm or people wi

SIR, - Early in 2007, Herts Highways removed the pedestrian traffic island in the middle of Beech Road between the King William pub and the Total garage making it unsafe for people to cross there and nigh on impossible for the elderly, infirm or people with a buggy or children. There are three-way traffic lights at the Beech Road/Sandridge Road junction resulting in a constant flow of traffic either way.

The residents protested and were assured that the traffic island would return bigger and better in October (no), November (no sign of it), December (obviously not). Maybe January?

No, they are not returning because somebody has deemed it too dangerous to stand at the traffic island in case a lorry turning into the garage hits them. I've lived in this area for 25 years and have no recollection of anyone being injured at that point.

People have tried going the long way around the pedestrian phase of the junction traffic lights and getting to the shops via Valley Road but traffic in Valley Road comes around the bend quite quickly and you also have to contend with traffic cutting across from the slip road by the pub.

I and several others believe that the only safe way to cross Beech Road is to reinstate the traffic island.

I am asking everyone who agrees with me, especially local people whom this affects, to contact Mr Donovan Young on 01727 866000 or write to Herts Highways at County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DQ.

JENNI JOHNES,

Gurney Court Road, St Albans.