Why, in such credit crunching times, is Castlepoint closing one of the most used pedestrian crossings with massive green barriers?

There were many bemused looks as people arrived at the curb only to notice the other side of the crossing was blocked off.

By closing this pedestrian crossing do the people running Castlepoint not realise they have cut off direct access from the centre to the library, bus stops and Strouden Park Parade, and vice versa? I even had to help one elderly man who had trouble walking to go the long way round. I believe I am not the only one who thinks this is a ridiculous move! At least the school children getting off the buses have found a way around the problem – just vault over!

Charlotte Carver, Setley Gardens, Throop