I write in response to Dot Cornish’s letter (Have Your Say, November 10) regarding traffic difficulties in Alder Road approaching Poole Commercial Centre at Redlands.

It was expected that the opening of the new John Lewis At Home store would attract great interest, and it has been welcomed by residents as a big success in terms of both employment (over 100 extra jobs) and a great retail experience.

The decision by John Lewis to launch their first At Home in Poole was a great vote of confidence in our town.

Our planners and transportation officers worked hard to negotiate with John Lewis for their full support of the highway improvements to widen the Poole Road exit and review the internal layout of the retail park.

Traffic monitoring will continue and measures to aid the flow of traffic are ongoing. The Poole Retail Centre is located on a major route with excellent public transport.

We anticipate that traffic levels will return to normal after Christmas, and we hope residents will continue to support this tremendous boost to our economy in a time of recession.

Cllr Ron Parker, cabinet portfolio holder for the local economy, Borough of Poole