MY heart sank when I read the article about pedestrianising a section of Bournemouth town centre.

Not because of the pedestrianisation itself. Because of the “except for buses, servicing, and cycling”. And because “priority will be given to pedestrians where possible”.

That isn’t pedestrianisation. That’s just banning cars. It’s not going to help the economy at all. If you’re a pedestrian, you won’t be able to enjoy walking along at a leisurely pace. You’ll have to watch your back. There won’t be cafes spilling out across the pavements. You won’t be able to let your children run free. You won’t want to go there.

The article said civic officials are set to discuss the proposal, and the BCP council cabinet will consider it, but will my local councillor have a say? He hasn’t been able to on other recent actions, like closing the Haven car park.

I note that “detailed plans will be available to view during a public consultation held later this year”. That sounds good, but will that public consultation be a sham? I think it will, because this proposal isn’t a genuine pedestrianisation. It’s dressed up as pedestrianisation when it’s really just a scheme to turn roads into bus lanes and cycle tracks.

I wonder if taxis will be allowed? I say that because some people who say they’re green, ride around everywhere in taxis, on expenses.

What I’d like to see is genuine pedestrianisation. That means no wheeled traffic. Wheelchairs would be allowed of course, and mobility scooters provided they go slow. But other that, there would be no cars, no vans, no taxis, no buses, no bicycles, and no electric scooters whizzing around on the pavement at 25mph. Somebody please make it happen.

JOHN DUFFIELD

Gleneagles Avenue, Poole