Adrian Gunson's latest letter in your pages (4 November 2004) defending the NDR is full of the usual pretences that building this new road would reduce congestion (it wouldn't, except in certain spots, very temporarily) and improve air quality (more cars being driven equals higher air quality?!).

But Mr Gunson does not even pretend that the NDR would benefit our environment. For, of course, the new road's impact would be disastrous for the Norwich area environment.

In particular, the latest information we Councillors have been given - as Green Party member of the Joint Highways Committee, I am all too up to date with this - makes clear that the 'preferred routes' for the NDR would have a massive negative impact on the Wensum Valley. The western-most possible routes that have been suggested are unviable, because of their great expense and because of the low vehicle numbers that they will attract.

This means that, if the road is built, a vicious hole will be punched in our beautiful and precious Wensum valley at either Costessey or Taverham. Sites of special scientific interest, rare animal habitats, irreplaceable archaelogical sites, green spaces for the enjoyment of all citizens of the Greater Norwich area - all are now under threat.

In short, either the NDR will not be built... or the Wensum valley will face worse attack than it has ever faced before. It is time for defenders of our local environment, and for all defenders of the countryside, to join this battle full-heartedly.

Yours sincerely,