Sir, - I was very disappointed to read in your newspaper of the proposal to move the market cross or Butter Market, in Barnard Castle.

Much of the traffic going down Horsemarket and the Bank across the bridge is heavy goods traffic. Heavy lorries should not even be there.

If there are to be any changes to the main shopping street, the present cobbled market area should be extended so the Butter Market becomes part of the area used by market stalls again.

Presently, the Butter Market is isolated on a roundabout and never used. If it becomes part of the market area again, traders can use it for the sale of flowers and other goods.

The roads around Horsemarket can be reorganised. A oneway system of traffic could be combined with a ban on large vehicles. Barnard Castle has a by pass. It is called the A66. Take heavy goods vehicles out of the town centre.

Much of the traffic going down Horsemarket and the Bank across the bridge is going to Deerbolt prison. People visiting the prison should be given a free park and ride scheme.

Free car parking on the A67 at the edge of Barnard Castle could run with a free bus to the prison. Parking charges on the car park beside the prison would encourage prison visitors to use the park and ride.

There should be exemptions from parking charges at the prison for those with a disabled badge. The remaining prison traffic approaching Barnard Castle by the A67 from Darlington should be encouraged to use Westwick and Newgate.

The prison is an important local employer. In the long term, the prison may have to be moved to a new location beside the A66. That would encourage prison traffic to use the A66.

Prison officers are I understand provided with a bus to work. Is this service free? It should be.

Does it cover all prison officers?

NIGEL BODDY Organiser Barnard Castle book fair, Darlington.