I WITNESSED the result of yet another accident at the new Brook Lane roundabout last Thursday week (11th) afternoon. Two cars written off with unknown hurt and loss to the occupants.

When I saw the start of the construction works I welcomed the idea of a roundabout and I expected a full sized one taking in the area under the lamp post etc and even extending towards the river.

In the event the results can only be described at best as unsatisfactory.

Turning lanes would have been better and safer if enough room could have been found for them.

The best solution to my mind would be a diversion of Brook Lane past Country West etc to a fourth entrance into the very effective Safeway roundabout. I suppose there are lots of reasons why this is impracticable, not least the inconvenience to Country West etc, and, of course, finance. Perhaps this last could be mitigated by selling off the surplus roadway with planning permission!

I can see the hands of officialdom raised in horror but let?s not forget that they are there to find solutions.

This said, one must not overlook the cost to the community of the accidents, minor, major or even fatal, waiting to happen. Thursday?s accident must have cost the insurance industry between £15 and £20,000 which means, ultimately, us through raised premiums. It bears thinking about and I hope our local councillors will take note.

G B Harland

Downhouse Whitchurch

I AM very concerned about the new roundabout that has recently been created on Plymouth Road in order to let cars out of Brook Lane.

Yesterday, as I was negotiating the roundabout, which is awkward to say the least, I was amazed to witness the driver behind race straight across it, overtaking me and causing us to nearly collide.

Please rethink this road planning and put an end to this danger!

Mrs Wendy Greig

47 Station Road Horrabridge

IT may be of passing interest to Messrs Park, Stowell and Dewdney ? and no doubt other Times readers as well ? to know that I have ascertained from Devon Highways that: the curious design of the Plymouth Rod/Brook Lane mini-roundabout ?satisfies all current highway design standards and has been independently audited in terms of road safety and environmental consideration?.

Well, that?s all right then! And in this, the week when the long awaited council tax bills start to arrive, that ?the final out-turn cost will be in the region of £31,000? ? bargain or what?

G W J Norris

Pevans Cottage, Bradstone