OPINION: Less town centre congestion, but at what cost?

I know many people who have traded in their gas guzzling 4x4s for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars recently, writes Business Editor Ian Griffin.

Modern, cleaner, greener is the mantra of motorists arriving on the forecourts of car dealerships across the developed world.

Soaring fuel costs, together with cheaper excise duties and insurance costs have persuaded people to switch from high-octane horsepower to ultra-efficient economy and even hybrid electric vehicles.

Sytner, of Enderby, has taken advantage of this race to green and has benefited from record sales and profits (see front page).

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This may be great for the environment, but it still doesn't address the issue of our overcrowded roads.

Loughborough, where I live, has a particular problem and a bypass is being planned. However, despite knowing it is probably for the best, I am in two minds about the benefits of the Loughborough Inner Relief Road scheme.

Not only will it cut a swathe through a large part of the town, I feel it may bring some commercial risks.

Many blame the decline of Coalville on the creation of a bypass more than 20 years ago.

Yes, it would be great to walk along Swan Street, Market Place and High Street unencumbered by a relentless stream of motor vehicles, but just how many other people will I be sharing that expensively paved pedestrianised walkway with on a Saturday morning?

I know a number of fellow townspeople share my concerns. Yes, we may sound slightly reactionary but although I own a car, I don't actually drive that much. I don't need to, I live near the town centre.

My concern is the inability to access the town centre by car may lure even more shoppers to Leicester and Nottingham.

Getting Lafarge-Tarmac on board is a great boost for the Team Leicestershire delegation travelling to the MIPIM property conference in Cannes next month.

The quarry group is a world-renowned name which can only heighten the profile of the city and county.

I've heard other world famous names are also looking to join the 16 businesses now sponsoring the delegation.

Expect to see further votes of confidence in Leicestershire's property development potential in the coming days.