I attended the Cycle Enfield Open Day at The Fox public house the other week, and I must say I was surprised by the ferocity of the opposition to the scheme. While I expected a range of views, I was surprised by the anger aimed at a scheme to improve the safety of people wishing to cycle into Palmers Green.

The strongest opposition seemed to come from the traders, who are concerned that the removal of, even some, parking will devastate their business.

On visiting Palmers Green one morning, I counted a maximum of 42 parking spaces, fewer if people arrive in 4X4s or larger cars, on Green Lanes between the Triangle and Fox Lane. I find it hard to believe that businesses feel they rely on such a small number of parking spaces to sustain their business. I would have thought they would see offering good service, good value and being welcoming to all customers, no matter how they arrive, as the key to successful business.

I also visited Lodge Drive car park one morning and at 11.50am there were 63 parking spaces vacant, more than enough to cover any spaces that might be removed from the high street to accommodate a cycle lane.

One final point: some 30 per cent of households in Enfield do not have access to a car. Improving access to our high streets for these households can only improve business, not harm it.

Roger Kingsnorth

Second Avenue, Enfield