For the cost of a mere $2 million it seems we are just moving the problem from one spot to another. The plan, apparently, is to widen the paths and make it people friendly. Does this mean that St John Street will become one way?

If the City of Launceston council is so intent on spending our money in idiotic ways, why not move the bus stops to Civic Square, as an intelligent alderman has suggested. But wait, that means that the councillors might be subjected to anti social behaviour and we can't have that can we?

Let's hope commonsense prevails and another place is found for the Metro.

Glennis Sleurink, Launceston.

I MUST agree with Judith Rapley (Letters, The Examiner, August 16) regarding the bus problem and Birchalls car park seems to be a solution. Don’t expect any leeway from City of Launceston council, though.

Our council is hell bent on pushing cars out of the city with the collaboration of the Melbourne-based consultants who don’t care about our people, only their fancy designs and, I expect, very large consultation fees.

Stopping cars in the city has the effect of pushing city workers and shoppers out to outlying streets. This impacts on trade, as shoppers will get fed up with the problem and shop online or in satellite shopping centres. I implore Launceston shop owners to present their concerns to council.

Ron Baines, Kings Meadows.

AS AN alderman of our great city I am more than aware of the importance and significance of the City Heart Project and the enormous benefits the project is bringing to Launceston.

While it's great that the Launceston Chamber of Commerce has put forward an opinion on the location of bus stops, I would point out that the City of Launceston has been working on this for the best part of two years. The council has explored many options and consulted widely with the community.

I was like many alderman, have received feedback from businesses, the broader community and the actual users of the bus service, with mixed responses regarding the preferred outcome - it's an emotive issue with no easy solution.

I am always open to new information and would welcome exploring any option that would achieve the best outcome for our city. I would also point out that the flippant remarks about spending millions to move the bus stops 30 meters are simply inaccurate and misleading to the community. The proposal is far more than that, it's a complete rejuvenation of a significant street section in our CBD.

It can only be hoped that if the decision is made to move the bus stops outside the soon to be revamped Civic Square, of which such a move is not budgeted for, that funding can be found so that those businesses and community members of whom have been promised and are expecting a rejuvenated section of St John Street won't be let down.

Simon Wood, Alderman at City of Launceston.