The Flatts Village Development Committee will not rest until it achieves its goal of improving the historic Island landmark, community activist W.A.

(Toppy) Cowen stressed this week.

Mr. Cowen, who heads the committee, was speaking to members of the Eastern Lions Club as they celebrated their 40th anniversary at the Mid Ocean Club earlier this week.

"Our plans and goals are sound and we will move forward,'' exclaimed Mr.

Cowen. "Some people think we are crazy in Flatts Village because they say `it ain't going to happen'. To those people we say `stay tuned'.'' Among the committee's goals is the alleviation of the heavy, fast-moving traffic that passes through the former prosperous seaport each day.

"Since 1981 there has been a 55 percent increase in traffic entering Flatts in the morning peak hour and a 40 percent increase in the afternoon peak hour,'' noted Mr. Cowen.

"More bluntly,'' he continued, "15,000 vehicles pass through Flatts Village on a daily basis, impacting on the environment and the historical village.'' Proposals the committee have put forward in a bid to alleviate traffic problems are the introduction of traffic management measures to help reduce vehicle speed, a revised junction at the lazy corner opposite Palmetto Bay and a bridge over Flatts Inlet.

Four traffic signs have been installed in the village already and the bridge has received the backing of Government Conservation Officer David Wingate who called it "essential'' for village improvement plans.

Other village improvement ideas put forward by committee members include: antique street lighting; sidewalks and pedestrian crossings; pedestrian links to the beaches via the railway trails; boardwalk linking the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo to the village; improvements to Paradise Lane and Clarendon Road; improved car parking; improvements to the public dock; further identification of historic buildings and the encouragement of refurbishment plus building enhancement; enhancement of existing open spaces; and aesthetic improvements to Flatts Aquarium Bridge.