From A Singleton.
I HAVE read, with interest, the many letters regarding the proposed new gym in Samarès Lane. I have also noticed (and I stand to be corrected) that every letter in support of this venture is not from residents of Samarès Lane.

As an ‘outsider’ on the issue, it is very easy to assume that the residents don’t want this venture simply because we see it as an inconvenience. After all, what’s a few more cars? Some seem to think Rue de Samarès is a quiet lane and, to quote Gerald Vautier (JEP, 17 December), ‘child-friendly’.

I would just like to say to Mr Vautier that he should trying living in this ‘quiet lane’.

I live in the narrowest part of Rue de Samarès, where with no pavements, pedestrians trying to walk past my home and beyond take their lives in their own hands.

I have lost count of the number of accidents and near misses, some of which have involved children (many of which are never reported) that have taken place over the years.

We all know that this lane is used as a rat-run, and as residents, we have tried to have the speed limit reduced, but to no avail.

The noise of cars and bikes speeding, with brakes squealing, is commonplace in this ‘quiet, child-friendly’ lane.

Mr Vautier suggests that a tractor and trailer and other farm machinery would be far more detrimental than a few more cars. Well, I would rather be hit by a tractor travelling at 15 miles per hour than a car travelling at 50- to 60 miles per hour, which is quite common in Rue de Samarès.

There may well be good access in and out of L’Industrie, but just to the left of the access point is a blind bend. I am sure that not all children visiting this gym will travel by car. Some will walk, which will just add to the dangers of the lane.

I think Miss De Mond should be commended on what she is trying to achieve, but Rue de Samarès is the wrong location.