I HAVE been away from Evesham for a few weeks, although keeping up with Evesham matters through the Journal's website.

We are all aware of the many letters complaining about the bridge works, some justified, some not.

My wife deliberately drove me through Evesham town centre on our way home, to show me the progress.

We drove down Abbey Road from the town. What a sight was before us!

A lovely blue sky above us and the low mid-afternoon sun showed the bridge off to its full glory. The curved arches, the railings and stairways, shined and shone and sparkled.

The new bridge, now much wider than before, was a credit to the town. Was it worth the wait and the heartache? Yes it was.

If that was not enough we now have the bonus of £360,000 for town enhancements. Should our steadfast retailers get any? No, they should not, unless it is intended to give everyone – national and independent – a share.

Do we really want to give money to the banks and supermarkets?

Far better to give the money to the voluntary body, set up to produce the town plan. Hundreds of local people have suggested thousands of ideas, large and small. Thousands of pieces of data have been collected and collated into a very large vision for Evesham.

Some of the ideas can be implemented almost straight away while other more costly or logistically difficult suggestions may take a while.

This plan, in the main, has come from Evesham people. It is their plan and local people have a right to this money.

It is hoped Evesham Town Council, along with other interested parties, will organise a committee specifically set up to deliver the town plan when it is announced later this year. The delivery body will need funds, and the bridge contractors' fine will do very nicely, thank you.

Worcestershire County Council, over to you.

Cllr Andrew Dyke

Evesham town and Wychavon district councils