Bridge is key to new Rye supermarket

However I believe there is a risk other retail outlets in the town will not benefit and there will be increased congestion on the B2089.

An example of where a supermarket brought benefits to a town is Tenterden, where additional parking and a good walking access to the town has increased business for all the shops.

Rye will miss out on a similar benefit unless a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists connects the existing car parks at the station and market.

This will reduce the need for additional car journeys crossing the railway and enable more people to access the town on foot.

In addition if a bridge was also built across the River Tillingham from Marley Road on the Tilling Green Estate to the new supermarket it would enable the residents of the estate and the new development at Cadborough to walk or cycle to the supermarket.

It would also allow much easier access to Rye College with all the benefits that would bring.

The distances involved are surprisingly short and it would be an opportunity missed not to include these bridges within the scheme.

FRANK LANGRISH

Udimore, Rye