sir –I attended Kirkland’s Community Centre in Menston to view the suggested highway improvements for Menston village should the building developments take place. I met and listened to residents’ concerns, but it seemed that not everyone understood the process and that perhaps a letter might help. The first thing I want to stress is that nothing is set in stone!

Planning permission has been granted and the developers must pay about £500,000 to improve facilities in Menston. Highways officers have consulted with the Parish Council and ward councillors to get a picture of what improvements could be made to aid traffic flow and safety in the village given the expected increase in traffic. Residents have had an early chance to look at a proposed scheme before the formal consultation begins. If nothing is done then the developers will get their money back. The money can’t be kept for a rainy day or used for other purposes.

We need to think carefully, make the most of this money and decide what will be best for the village if the developments go ahead. Improvements such as these may be hard to fund in the future.

Jackie Whiteley, Conservative Councillor Wharfedale Ward, c/o City Hall, Bradford