SIR: As a resident of Hyde, who is affected by the summary closure of Hyde Street last Spring, I am in absolute agreement with remarks of Bill Hoade and Steve Harbourne, which were reported on the front page of February 18 edition.

The traffic arrangements put in place last spring were opportunistic, done without consultation, and authoritarian Green fascism, excused by the pandemic and obfuscation. It is not surprising that an attempt is now being made to legitimise the closing of Hyde Street through consultation about traffic arrangements, which extend beyond those put in place last spring.

The behaviour and response of Liberal councillors, who often sit on the city council and the county council, show that they see the traffic measures as pushing forward their Green agenda. In fact they have destroyed it. Most of us, including myself, see the importance of improving environmental performance, especially with regard to climate change, but the way forward is not to antagonise the public by damaging and ill-thought out schemes.

Unless the Hyde Street closure is withdrawn immediately, I urge Winchester voters not to vote for Liberal candidates in the forthcoming local elections.

Julian Chisholm,

Arthur Road,

Hyde,

Winchester