SIR: Am I the only person to wince in disbelief at the huge newly steam-rolled tarmac roundabout and traffic islands that have just been manufactured by the new Sports Centre?

Is this really the best that can be done!? Whilst the maintenance costs of grass or flowers are probably an expensive and unrealistic dream and a sculpture, silver birches or even a shrub or two might arguably obscure the drivers’ vision couldn't the planners have had a more imaginative vision? The massive expanse of black tarmac is hideous and depressing.

Catherine Ferrier,

St Giles’ Hill,

Winchester