CONCERNING the continuing saga of the traffic chaos in Ripon, I know 99 per cent of the people know something MUST be done after the last weekend fiasco. Surely the dimwits of NYCC Highways and Ripon councillors will have to come up with new ideas and quickly. But I honestly think if all their brain power were added together they would still not qualify to appear on the ‘Weakest Link’.

When one drives past Coltsgate Hill junction on a Saturday or Sunday, knowing full well if you want to be on the west side of the city, it will take them up to 30 minutes before you arrive at Bishopton bridge. Why on earth can’t the 100 or so yards be open up Coltsgate Hill on Saturday/Sunday when not a workman is in sight? And why not make Westgate two way for the duration of the works?

Of course, Borrage Lane is the farce of the century. It does not matter to NYCC Highways, or it seems to the ‘councillors’ of Ripon, but only the businesses in the city who get no refund for the many fewer customers they will have.

I know already from the Kirkby area of four families who are going to shop on-line or in Thirsk or Masham. Thirsk has a major supermarket, Masham a smaller one but no parking problems or congestion at either.

To the powers that be – do something quickly or you won’t need that new supermarket; there will be no customers coming to buy from it.