SIR,

We wonder how many of your readers are aware of the further disruption planned for the Hereford Road in the next three months.

Monmouthshire County Council is proposing to put a zebra crossing on the junction of the Hereford Road with Osbaston Road.

The crossing which was constructed last summer is now apparently considered not fit for purpose: the council wishes to put a zebra crossing in its place.

The junction of Hereford Road with Osbaston Road is one of Monmouth's most difficult junctions, arguably aggravated by the recent alterations and road restriction.

A zebra crossing will only exacerbate that problem, especially when the road is at a standstill due to school traffic.

In addition, the plans produced by the transport policy and compliance manager, Mark Youngman, require the felling of three trees, to 'allow visibility to the signal head'.

The destruction of three trees will spoil the established avenue of trees which present a fine gateway to the town.

This appears to be an act of environmental vandalism, without purpose, and an unnecessary expenditure of monies.

The recently-constructed crossing has only been in place for a few months, with hardly time to be properly evaluated.

The removal of these trees is irreversible and will change the townscape for good.

(Names and addresses supplied)