It seems inconceivable that it could yet again be snatched away, especially being virtually 'game, set and match'. Beyond a joke would be fitting, but it really isn't funny. It's cruel.

I was born in West End Road, youngest of 11 born there. My mother and father were also residents for most of their lives and my mother was almost killed by a car on this road in 1962.

It has always been a hairy road, but poor planning by a succession of councils has made the A58 the only viable truck route into St Helens and a succession of motorway junctions joined the A580/A58, A49/A599, make West End Road the end of a funnel and the resulting truck traffic has been almost exponential. The opening of the linkway has now provided a route out to Widnes, Runcorn and North Wales, which is quite an enticement for trucks and cars alike. I know because I use this route myself. With the move, certainly, of another Mersey crossing it will double the chances of trucks picking this route. I cannot believe anyone would object to this bypass on any grounds. I consider objections to be selfish, or at least thoughtless.

This bypass is not about traffic permutations or congestion, "It's about people and justice" after years of promises. Remember there are not wide frontages on this stretch, as with Liverpool Road and Park Road. These trucks are within feet of our front doors and the noise, vibration and air pollution is greater than anyone could be expected to have to hear, when the solutions have been there for a very very long time. We use the dog walks down Stanley Bank and nearby woods, which I practically grew up in, and this will still be there after the bypass is built. The land that the bypass would occupy is of no use to man or beast, it's just derelict land. I clearly remember this land (West End Road side) being used as a council tip in the 1940's and nobody complained of the stench.

How many residents of this stretch have been helped to an early grave from pollution related illnesses? At times the polluted air can be cut with a knife and actually layers on cars parked there.

This is a Labour dominated area and we always thought they were the party for the people but now it seems it's for business. Town centres suggest some sort of plan and they will build you a road, with lights even. I think it is cruel that the party we have always supported is betraying us again. For goodness sake, give us a flaming break and build the blasted road before it becomes an eternal joke.

Gerard Fairclough, West End Road.

l(see footnote under letter 'Majority decision')