CONTROVERSIAL proposals to extend a one-way traffic system are to be reviewed after the public and business leaders voiced concerns about the scheme.

St Edmundsbury Borough Council is proposing street improvements which would turn the narrow Risbygate Street in Bury St Edmunds into a one-way road including a section of St Andrew’s Street North.

But when the council polled public opinion on the proposals in the affected area, it found 80% of people were against them.

The council’s Bury St Edmunds Area Working Party has now decided to start the consultation process afresh.

The scheme for the junction of Risbygate Street, Brentgovel Street and St Andrew Street North junction and the surrounding roads is one of the last parts of the overall cattle market redevelopment to be completed.

Last year residents were invited to a workshop to look at the issues in the area and at possible solutions.

Highway officers at the council then went away and drew up their plans, which included the one-way system.

But amid overwhelming concerns about the proposals, the council’s officers said they needed to learn more about problems experienced by traders and residents and to review the current set of plans.

Terry Clements, the council’s cabinet member for transport and planning, said: “This is part of an overall approach, including the improvements we have already made in Kings Road and St Andrew Street South.

“This is an important gateway to the town centre and it is in need of attention. The reason for the consultation was to make sure that the scheme addresses the needs of residents, businesses and other interested parties.

“We will now go back to them and explore the issues, and come up with a suitable solution.”