BACKING THE BRIDGE: I am tired of all the adverse publicity on the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge. It promises to provide pedestrian pavements, cycle lanes and most important of all lanes for public transport. Statistics show London has the lowest car use of all the cities in the United Kingdom, so public transport is essential. Far from damaging the environment the proposed bridge will provide access to both sides of the river for Londoners and tourists alike. I can see lots of benefits for Bexley in the new crossing. The building work will create jobs and, once opened, tourists will be encouraged to visit our borough. And as for all the scare stories about HGV's thundering through suburban streets, drivers heading for the ports will continue to use the Blackwall Tunnel and the Dartford Crossing. Suburban streets have weight restrictions to protect water mains, gas pipes and electricity cables. Just let the builders get on with it.

JO O'DONNELL

Bexleyheath

WASTE OF ENERGY: If we are unfortunately saddled with hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, the country as a whole should certainly pay, not just Londoners. I agree with M Harrap of Upper Belvedere (We Should All Pay For Games, News Shopper, June 1). I am personally not keen on paying for people running round in circles, throwing strange objects about and so on. The physical energy of athletes should be channelled into positive action, such as clearing the brambles in my back garden.

EDWARD HART

Welling

BRIDGE SUPPORT: Regarding the new bridge. Another crossing is badly needed. I remember thinking our troubles were over when the second Blackwall Tunnel opened in 1967/8. The new bridge would affect just two main roads in our borough, Brampton and Danson. To prevent some southbound use, make Knee Hill and/or the top of Brampton Road no entry. And to prevent some northbound traffic from the Danson Junction, charge £1 more than the Dartford Crossing.

H TUCKER

Welling

WHAT A MESS: Sitting in the morning traffic jam on Thames Road, Crayford, I was pleased to see a dog walker clearing up behind a rather large Alsatian. The pink plastic glove was pulled off carefully and the bag neatly tied. Then the bag and its contents were flung onto the grass verge. Is that what is supposed to happen? A biodegradable mess was replaced by a mess in non-biodegradable bag. Pity the worker who has to remove litter from the verge.

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