TO read the front page article in the East Cornwall Times (September 29) one would think that Callington has been saved from something akin to the bubonic plague! As an ex-councillor I can safely say that Callington Town Council does, for the most part, act in the best interests of the people of the town and does not intentionally try to disadvantage one group over another!

Along with fellow councillors I was involved in the discussions about the one way system some two years ago (acting on the wishes of the towns folk in accordance with the independently produced Town Plan 2005) and the aims were to provide safe passage for pedestrians up Church Street in particular for the elderly, wheelchair users and mums with prams, more legal parking on Fore Street, and also to introduce pedestrian phases to the traffic lights to facilitate safe passage for pedestrians to across Saltash and Tavistock Roads, again particularly with the elderly and mums with prams in mind.

Enter the one-way system designed by Cornwall County Highways which it thought would achieve what most believed were laudable objectives. It was also hoped to improve the 'street scene' on Fore Street. Certainly not perfect but not sure that 'ludricrous' is a fair description. Per se, it was not about offsetting the detrimental effects of Tesco but the opportunity presented itself to complete a Town Plan piece of work which it was thought would help town traders in the process by allowing more free on street parking.

However, we have to congratulate a well orchestrated anti-compaign, and bow to the democratic process, although I did hear many a myth being peddled about this scheme and the previous one. I have no strong views either way, hopefully the objectives can be achieved by other means.

It is a great pity that the vehement opposition by the traders to any one-way system was not made known to the town council at an earlier date — before the now substantial costs (apparently circa £34k) were incurred. The Town Plan was delivered to every household and minutes of every council meeting are available to all and there is an opportunity to question councillors at every full council meeting every month. It is a two-way street! Perhaps a lesson for the future.

M C Green

Saltash Road, Callington