I FEEL I must respond to Cllr Rod Kennedy, and his criticism of work on the road drainage in Baldock Road, Royston (Postbag, July 12). Herts County Council as highway authority has a duty of care for all aspects of our roads. Surface water drainage has

I FEEL I must respond to Cllr Rod Kennedy, and his criticism of work on the road drainage in Baldock Road, Royston (Postbag, July 12).

Herts County Council as highway authority has a duty of care for all aspects of our roads.

Surface water drainage has caused much concern in various areas of Royston, with flooding in many areas over recent years.

It is to the credit of our highway engineers that many of the past areas of concern have been dealt with, and the risk lessened.

This work continues, with Kneesworth Street about to be investigated, and other areas of the town will follow.

Baldock Road is now up to highway standard, and we should be pleased that any risk has been lessened.

Unlike Cllr Kennedy I am pleased that our highway officers are taking an interest in our town, and improving standards.

I well remember his derogatory remarks with regard to a controlled crossing at Queens Road/Kneesworth Street, arrogant and quite unhelpful.

For Cllr Kennedy's information, road resurfacing is programmed for Orchard Road, Fish Hill and Market Hill in the near future, along with a number of other roads and footpaths.

The county council spends millions of pounds each year on highways and safety schemes countywide. I can assure Cllr Kennedy that as he speaks as a town councillor, his opinions are damaging to future funding for projects in Royston.

DOUG DRAKE

County Councillor

Royston