I am chairwoman of the Oak Farm Residents' Association. This association has been in touch with officers at the civic centre concerning the bus shelter in question, at the request of residents living in close proximity to it, who are subject to regular anti-social behaviour from young people congregating at the stop [Crossing query is unanswered, Letters, October 15].

Various suggestions were put to the officers: [25a0] Move the complete shelter further along towards Merton Avenue, which would also alleviate traffic problems caused by buses stopping too close to the Windsor Avenue and Ryefield Avenue roundabout. [25a0] Remove the bus shelter and replace it with a bus post, at its current site.

Answers received were: 

Moving the 'problem' further down the road is no solution, and will only pass it on to other residents, who would quite rightly object.

The shelter is the property of J C Decaux, who use it to display advertisements for which the council receives renumeration.

The majority of law-abiding bus passengers would complain if the shelter was removed, leaving them at the mercy of inclement weather.

Our excellent Police Safer Neighbourhood Team regularly moves rowdy individuals from known troublespots, including the bus stop in question, but accept that the troublemakers only drift to a different location.

Moving on to why the pedestrian island outside 101, Windsor Avenue was removed: these islands, and especially the one in Ryefield Avenue closest to Long Lane,were originally requested by us at a consultation meeting regarding plans for a 20 mph speed limit between members of this association and the planning team.

The islands in Ryefield Avenue are well used by parents and pupils attending the Oak Farm schools.

The one in Windsor Avenue, because of the sharpness of the bend, was frequently damaged.

Additionally, when buses pulled up at the stop just beyond the roundabout, traffic rapidly backed up and blocked access on the cross-roads.

Now that the island has been removed, traffic moves much more freely.

The lady who said that her son would cross Windsor Avenue where there was no island 'because it would be quicker' should demonstrate to him that there are three islands, one on the school side of Windsor Avenue,and two in Ryefield Avenue,where he can cross to reach the bus stop in question.

She should also explain to him the consequences with regard to his safety of crossing where there is no island.

The association's committee members are unpaid, and have worked hard to obtain money from TfL to make Ryefield Avenue a safer place.

There had previously been 15 serious accidents at the Ryefield/ Windsor crossroads, and almost daily evidence of broken glass in the roads, from minor collisions, mostly not reported to the police.

We believe that the crossroads is now a much safer place for both pedestrians and motorists.

CONSTANCE EVANS,

chairwoman, Oak Farm Residents' Association, 21, Windsor Avenue,

Hillingdon.