Big buses are worst polluters

Regarding the "vehicle ban plan" for Shrewsbury town centre - if these county councillors left their warm offices at the Shirehall and looked at this very expensive trial that is to take place in Dogpole, they would make a few observations.

The cabinet member says the trial will make the town centre a more pleasant place to live in, work and visit.

Should not his priority be to keep what business in commerce and retail that are left in the town centre there, not obstruct it with obstacles or traffic.

As for living in the town, anyone who moves into a town centre to live must know the consequences.

I ask the same councillor to stand outside Woolworths for a day. What are the biggest polluters?

Yes, the Park and Ride buses. The first observation would be why do we need them to work around the town when we have, according to the council, a perfect bus station with mechanical access by lift or elevator into the town centre almost directly to the points that the buses go to.

No, we have to contend with large buses pumping out fumes. Also, in off-peak periods, why use such large machines to move just one or two passengers around - think of the cost and pollution savings if smaller vehicles were used.

I plead with the authorities: Get off your rears and talk to the general public and retailers that you pull tax from and listen to what we have to say, not the residents committees that feel the town should be closed down at night and that all retail should be in fields around the town.

Lin Oliver, Shrewsbury