I WRITE in response to the letter ‘Mistakes are being made’ published on September 13 2014.

Firstly, the anonymous writer is 100 per cent wrong in the assertion that £10 million is being spent on Castle Lane West.

The walking and cycling improvements are being funded through £650,000 of government grants and will cost Bournemouth council nothing.

Secondly, some 30,000 motorists a day travel along Castle Lane West, with 25 per cent of the town’s primary and secondary school students served by this heavily used route. As Bournemouth’s population grows there will be more people, more jobs and more commuters using this route therefore we must act now to tackle congestion and ensure we keep our town moving in the future.

Once complete the improvement works will provide safer routes to school for children, as well as make cycling, walking and use of public transport easier, safer and more attractive for everyone. We recognise these works mean some disruption in the short term, but in the long term they will enhance the local environment and help tackle future congestion.

Finally, keeping our town moving is a priority for this council and I am delighted through national government funding we are able to provide our communities with more options for how they travel whilst continuing to support the local economy.

COUNCILLOR MICHAEL FILER,

Cabinet member for transportation, cleansing & waste,

Bournemouth council