SIR - It is interesting to note that the traders in Parchment Street are saying that they have had a downfall in trade since the traffic flow was reversed two years ago (Chronicle, July 26).

I believe it is they who opposed the scheme at the time. Now they are praising the scheme for a piece of "art" to rejuvenate the area.

Surely, instead of wasting £13,500 on a monstrous piece of so called "art", this money would be better spent on putting the traffic flow back to a north-south' direction.

This would, it seems, benefit both the shops and businesses in Parchment Street and the hundreds of inconvenienced citizens of Winchester who, if they wish to get from the north and west of the city to the Cathedral Close and the St Cross Road area, have to drive around the complete one way system through eight sets of traffic lights using more fuel and creating more pollution in the city centre.

It is time that the city council got its priorities right for the people of Winchester - not just for the minority who choose to live in this street.

Fabian Williams, Stoke Road, Winchester.