Sir, - Builders have moved on site and have started work on much-needed bridge at the Black Swan crossroads on the A19.

It does not seem too long ago (February 9, 2004) that I organised the first meeting at Appleton Wiske Village Hall to protest against the closure of this crossroads.

It soon became apparent that the Highways Agency was determined to close the central reservation but it was offering no reasonable alternative to the residents of the Rountons and Hutton Rudby to travel between each community.

The campaign for a bridge at this location was then started, of which the Rountons Parish Council was at the forefront.

Numerous meetings were attended and with the support of other local parish councils in this area of the A19, North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton District Council, our local county and district councillors, North Yorkshire Police, the D&S Times, many local residents, and William Hague our local MP, we succeeded where many thought we would fail.

When you consider the campaign for a bridge at Long Newton took ten years, we can be proud of the fact it took us less than four. Having met the contractors, they inform me that, weather permitting, 27 weeks should see the completion of this much needed bridge.

Coun DEREK R LAWTON Chairman - Rountons Parish Council.