AS AN owner of two bicycles I was greatly surprised that following your reports in the Times the town council approved the proposed Meadows cycle track.

I feel that our elected representatives need to closely re-examine their decision and assess it against their claim to be seeking 'Best Value'.

The proposal brings to the town for the first time an underpass. Did the council know that the Government is currently funding costly schemes to 'fill in' this type of structure throughout the country because they are the source of nuisance and at night ideal places for muggings?

Additionally, try and push a wheelchair up the gradients from one — it is easier to use the existing crossing!

I predict that the county council will not have adequate revenue budgets to suitably maintain and cleanse this tunnel and it will become a 'beauty spot' worse that they created at the 'Whitchurch Gateway' with broken lights and the added fragrance of urine.

Let me propose an alternative. The scheme should not include an underpass and instead should rely upon an electronic control, which would effectively calm the speed of traffic and permit crossing by the occasional bike.

The alternative track can be done at less cost and environmental damage.

This would be by utilising the existing routes through the Meadows and fencing a segment of path running along the riverside to prevent the risk of accidents to young children playing in the park and be routed around the football pitch to preserve this important amenity and avoid the need to fell any trees.

The town council and the borough council need to extract from the county council that it will undertake to properly maintain what it creates in the town and ensure that public safety is not jeopardised.

H Jones

25 Deer Park Road

Tavistock