SIR: In an article on page 4 of the Chronicle (July 1), reference is made to an increase of 25 per cent traffic on Easton Lane as a consequence of the M3 Junction 9 redevelopment.

Two through routes run off Easton Lane, one being Winnall Manor Road, traffic-calmed and running through the heart of the Winnall housing estate. The other, Wales Street, is also residential and is the main, and much-used, pedestrian route to the city centre from Winnall and the Easton Lane student residences. Wales Street runs alongside a beautiful riverside path and skirts the Winnall Moors Nature Reserve. It is not the effect on these of the disturbance while construction is underway, but the permanent and irreversible consequences.

I believe that 25 per cent extra traffic on what is already a congested road at times would be harmful to the health and wellbeing of local residents. They should not be sacrificed to the interest of M3 motorists.

I believe, too, that it is not only local residents who would suffer should this proposal go ahead. The city as a whole would lose an understated, but nonetheless valuable, part of its identity. I hope our local councillors will do their best to ensure that what is currently on the drawing board goes no further.

Mary Pearson,

Manor Close,

Winnall,

Winchester