THE case for the route choice for the Southern Link Road is currently being rolled together with the ‘road/no road’ argument. These two issues should be debated separately.

In 2010 public consultation was only on the route now called SC2. Since then 11 different routes have been consulted on.

Now SC2 has once again been assessed as the best route by internationally respected consultants. But the Cabinet’s decision has been called in by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, because of objections to do with both the ‘no road’ view and the specific route issues.

Keeping to the original 2010 route decision would have saved much public money and time and the ‘road/no road’ debate could have been had in its own right.

If there has to be a road then arguments for SC2 are compelling: l It is on balance the fairest route, affecting far fewer households than the alternatives, as shown by a petition representing 73 Grafton and Merryhill residents favouring SC2.

l SC2 is most geographically direct.

l SC2 is the cheapest route.

l SC2 has least impact on the Sustrans Cycleway, an important amenity on public health and recreational grounds, being a popular cycling, walking, family outing and jogging circuit for city-dwellers.

l It is the optimum route for heritage issues, being roughly equidistant from the main listed properties and avoiding the medieval motte site at Grafton.

l Although SC2 would pass through Grafton Wood, this was only designated as ancient woodland in 2014 on mainly historical grounds and trees would be replanted to replace any removed.

Please, councillors, let professional judgement, fairness and common sense prevail – if there is to be a Southern Link Road, let the route selected be SC2.

HUGH BRYANT Grafton