GREGOR Condliffe raises an excellent point regarding the potential for the Maltings redevelopment to integrate with wider changes to traffic flows through Salisbury City centre (Journal Postbag, March 2). Salisbury could benefit enormously if the bigger picture was considered, with options to expand fully pedestrianised areas being taken where possible.

This important dependency was flagged up in the original 2008 Salisbury Vision when it was said that the Traffic and Movement Strategy would be developed as a priority, and 2009 was mentioned as the start date for this activity.

Nine years on from the Salisbury Vision and we’re still waiting. It seems strategic Salisbury transport matters are considered too difficult, controversial or expensive to take forward, and we muddle on with increasing congestion, poor air quality, and opportunities such as those mentioned by Gregor Condliffe being missed.

Funding to start work on the Maltings site should be welcomed, but the opportunity must be taken to reconsider the planned usage of the area. Retail selling has changed dramatically with the increase in internet shopping, and long-standing proposals to build a new area for restaurants and bars in the Maltings need to be reviewed in the light of the number of city centre shops which have converted to eating and drinking establishments in recent years. The controversial decision to move the coach station to drop-off/pick-up in Brown Street with longer-term parking at Britford park and ride needs careful reconsideration too. There are a number of downsides to this arrangement and vital tourism trade will be lost to Salisbury if we get this wrong.

Whatever is ultimately taken forward on the Maltings site we must try and ensure it integrates with, and enhances, the existing city and benefits Salisbury as a whole, rather than just maximising profits for developers.

Margaret Willmot, Salisbury City Councillor, Fisherton and Bemerton Village Ward