No-one would know from your report on the traffic-calming measures in Blackheath Village, just how high feelings are running locally (Village Is Open For Christmas, October 20).

Those of us who gathered to protest could not begin to imagine how anyone could possibly make a decision to close Blackheath Village for 11 weeks and expect to get away with it, especially in the lead up to Christmas.

The real problem requiring these measures is Lee Road, which is almost impossible to cross at times.

Another important aspect of the work is the re-routing of the buses, thus cutting off the direct link to the Standard.

There are scores of schoolchildren who rely on the buses which pass through the village to get to and from school.

The proposals regarding re-routing would have left children in Lewisham with no means of getting to the Standard.

And the additional time it would take to reach destinations (without a through service) would also be a problem for children getting to school on time.

We must follow the example of the Traders' Association which demonstrated what can be achieved when we refuse to let authorities make decisions which ignore local interests.

Mrs Scott
Address supplied