I plead with the authorities to think again about the alterations proposed in Kingsbury Street and Silverless Street, Marlborough, because it is evident that little notice has been taken of the comfort or wishes of the residents of this area or the Green.

I spent some time on the Green this afternoon, and was horrified at the traffic and the congestion at the lights.

The noise when pedestrians pressed the buttons to cross was torture. I felt for the local residents who have to put up with this noise constantly. The busy road has been narrowed to be in line with Barn Street, thereby making it more difficult for heavy vehicles to pass, and the lovely sweep of the Green has been removed, the entrance to St Martin's narrowed and angled, taking away the filtering into Herd Street. (I watched a tractor trying to turn left out of St Martin's while a bus was trying to turn right from Herd Street; it was very dangerous and the bus was forced to go across the road in order to turn.) This is a conservation area and residences along Silverless Street are historic and irreplaceable and increased traffic here will not only upset the foundations of the houses, but will cause more chaos at the traffic lights in Herd Street, so please think again and help preserve the heritage of the country.

On another point, we wonder if the authorities are arrogant or dictatorial because we are struggling to keep our lovely little cottage hospital open. Millions of pounds were spent on its renovation in 2005 and most amenities are to go in October. Why don't the PCT hold more public meetings to discuss the situation instead of making arbitrary decisions? We are supposed to be a democracy and should listen to the people's wishes.

L Freeman The Green Marlborough