I READ with interest Councillor Muspratt's comments in the Watford Observer, November 16 regarding the moving of the zebra crossing.

The quote from the article read: "People's safety and security has to be the main priority, and after listening to local people, I am convinced that they are right."

It is rather a shame that Councillor Muspratt did not take the same line with the access for the Mosque and community centre on the North Western Avenue.

He is well aware, as our MP is well aware, that a number of mandatory safety standards set down by the Secretary of State have been ignored.

He is also aware when Mothercare were in discussions with the council for an access at the same point, Mothercare were informed that the council would be opposed to this access on safety grounds.

I also have a quote from the county council at the time which was "we are opposed to this access, we believe it will significantly increase the danger to the children in the school nearby, and we feel sure the school governors will take a similar view."

Would Councillor Muspratt, and indeed our MP, give assurances to the residents and children of the Leggatts, Stanborough and Leavesden Green wards that they will ensure that all the safety standards set down by the Secretary of State will be fully complied with, or could it be that the Muslim vote is more important than the safety of the residents in north Watford?

Councillor S O'Brien, Neston Road, Watford.

December 14, 2001 10:30