Ever since the proposed plans for the Baldock bypass were submitted for scrutiny it was plainly obvious that a northerly route would be the most favourable and effective with regard to solving Baldock s traffic congestion. The chosen route was obviously g

Ever since the proposed plans for the Baldock bypass were submitted for scrutiny it was plainly obvious that a northerly route would be the most favourable and effective with regard to solving Baldock's traffic congestion.

The chosen route was obviously going to cause severe congestion at the A1/Letchworth Gate interchange. The following points warrant further serious consideration and answers from those involved in the planning department.

* Why is it that the public could see this from the start yet the powers-that-be were oblivious to the fact?

* Why was the northern end of the A1 motorway redeveloped with an excellent service station and new roundabout? Surely in anticipation of the northerly bypass route joining the A1 there.

* Why was the northern route not utilised when it would have been shorter and far less expensive to engineer, as apart from the railway bridge, the earth-works would have been simpler to address, plus there would have been no need for an expensive tunnel through the Weston Hills?

* Why, when east/west traffic would have conveniently connected with the Stotfold bypass was the southern route chosen?

* Why when the northern route's line would have convinced most drivers even those travelling east-south to use it, was the southern route chosen? Traffic travelling east-north most certainly will still go through Baldock town centre, as will any north-east vehicles and those having called at the service station.

* Who owns the land across which the northerly route would have traversed?

The answers to these questions may prove quite interesting! Particularly the last one!

BARRIE C WOODS, Eastern Way, Letchworth GC