I read with interest the letter from Nigel Carter two weeks ago regarding the proposed changes to the towpath through Devizes.

Regardless of whether the private funding situation has now changed, I feel that the concept will harm the character of the canal and avoids the real issue, which is to make cycling safer.

I believe that more attention should be paid to this plan as it will have a severely negative impact on something that is precious to all of us in the area and loved by visitors. However, I also believe that this ill-thought-through plan will probably be eventually implemented due to the issues set out below.

1. Our local authority has a track record demonstrating its poor understanding of our built heritage and therefore will not appreciate that the setting of the canal is integral to its special character. The likely impact of the plan is clearly demonstrated by Mr Carter’s photo. I suggest Wiltshire Council should better utilise its conservation officers when considering such projects.

2. There is great temptation for local government to accept sweeteners from building developers towards such infrastructure projects and therefore we need our councillors to be strong-headed by rejecting inappropriate financial contributions.

It is well documented that ‘restorations’ and ‘improvements’ are usually the most reliable way to damage the nation’s historic assets.

3. While the planning process for buildings is clear and rigorous, this is not the case for local authority projects such as this one. This has been the situation for decades and led to the formation of The Trust for Devizes and The Guardians.

I consider that Wiltshire Council’s formal consultation process is clearly broken – using the cycle path across The Green as an example, this was a controversial proposal with a small supporting majority, but the number of formal objections recorded by the council consultation system was just one (me).

Additionally, the towpath besides Caen Hill locks is in the division of Bromham, Rowde and Potterne but there is effectively no councillor representing this location since I understand that Coun Liz Bryant moved out of the area many months ago – a situation that needs addressing by the standards committee or other relevant body.

4. As a regular cyclist, I believe bikes belong on safe roads. The local planning for cycling is weak and misguided. It is unacceptable to have cycles on pavements, putting pedestrians at risk.

Erecting a set of blue round signs does not immediately turn cycling on a pavement from an offence to a safe practice. Let’s please see projects that make cycling on our roads safer. For example, priority for getting around busy roundabouts or dedicated cycle lanes with solid borders.

I fear that local democracy is extremely lacking when considering local infrastructure projects. Sadly, I therefore encourage more photos to be taken of our unspoilt canal before the contractors move in to ‘upgrade’ the towpath.

Dr AHD Graham, Whistley Road, Potterne.