I HAVE lived in Warrington for eight years and I think the problem with the roads here lies with the north and south being divided by the river Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal.

There are five crossing points - the Thelwall Viaduct, Latchford, Stockton Heath, Walton swing bridges and Cantilever which has a weight restriction.

When major incidents or road repairs take place then the town centre and feeder roads become choked with traffic.

As a tax payer, I feel that Warrington is quick to jump on the bandwagon when it spots an opportunity to squeeze more money not only from the motorist, but from its long suffering residents.

If charges were introduced residents who, because of the fixed location of the crossing points, wish to visit a relative or a friend would have to pay a congestion charge which, in my opinion, is grossly unfair.

With regards to congestion charging we should follow Edinburgh's lead and reject this silly idea.

Since moving here, I have complained to the borough council regarding the state of repair of Birchdale Road, in Paddington, which is like a patchwork quilt after numerous efforts to repair it and, usually after a few days, the infill breaks away and the road is back to square one.

As a safety consultant, I feel that the only time that the council ever responds is when someone is injured or, God forbid, killed. We are now running up to a General Election.

Councillors and MPs are elected by the public to represent their interests and spend tax payers' money wisely.

The council should be attracting new business and visitors to our town not creating obstacles.

IAN HILLERTON

Birchdale Road, Paddington