I herald Trevor Watts' observations that the High Street is long overdue the makeover it so desperately needs and the protracted consultation period in doing the absolutely right thing in pedestrianising it (October 3, Page 4, "Why is no one fixing terrible high street?").

The sticking point seems to be the dilly dallying between stakeholders and partners with Essex County Council and Braintree Council and the dithering indecision, as has been the case for as many years as I can remember.

I hear the argument that shops need good access for deliveries and quite agree if the town is to survive as a commercial centre.

But I say to them look at how other ancient and splendid towns and cities have managed it such as with the shambles in York (to name but one).

Of course, those parties have a financial and commercial interest and I do think their blinkered view is out of touch with the tenants and Mr Watts', as well as mine and the majority of people who use what could be a lovely thoroughfare.

The long term financial interests can surely only be enhanced by improved trade and increased property value.

At the moment, that ain’t happening!

It is obvious you cannot cut off all vehicular access to a commercial centre, but limited access at certain times for deliveries only makes sense and would alleviate the roads constant upkeep costs.

Since the road section was block paved in a half-hearted sort of pedestrianised way, the constant use by buses and other vehicles, legal or otherwise, has taken its toll and must have cost fortunes in upkeep.

Think of the benefits for wheelchair and pushchair users, as well as the rest of us if the surface was even and properly structured with an attractive alternative and not have to worry about getting knocked over by a bus, taxi, van and unauthorised vehicles.

I’m sure the sitting traders and tenants would also see improvements and definitely less pollution, as well as alleviating the burden on all our pockets for its upkeep.

In the words of Boris Johnson: "We need to get this thing done."

By the way, if Highways Essex has any vacancies for inspectors, I would be more than happy to oblige, free of charge, to advise what is a good or bad surface for public access or would suggest its current employees take a quick pop into Specsavers (not to forget Boots and Patrick & Menzies) while they are in the High Street on their monthly visit!

Jon Scrivener

Braintree