Road plan veto

Jan 2 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CONTROVERSIAL plans to make two Huddersfield streets one-way look set to be shelved.

Residents have come out against the proposals for Thornhill Avenue and Syringa Street in Marsh.

The plans were part of a number of measures proposed to stop speeding, rat-running and inconsiderate parking in the area.

But consultation by Kirklees Council has revealed that most people are against the one-way proposals.

Greenhead ward councillor Mehboob Khan said they were unlikely to go ahead.

He said: “I think it’s good practice to come forward with a range of proposals to begin with and then be guided by the response of residents when making a decision. We will be guided by the majority view.”

David Peace, who lives in nearby Hungerford Road, was against the one-way plan.

He went to a public meeting about the proposals at Marsh United Bowling Club on Eldon Road on November 30.

He said: “It was clear to me that everyone was against the proposal.”

Mr Peace believes more should be done to encourage traffic on to Westbourne Road and off the side-streets of Marsh.

This would mean getting rid of some of the controversial changes made to Westbourne Road/New Hey Road in recent years to reduce its width.

Mr Peace, who has lived in the area for 26 years, said: “It’s no good locating bus stops in the middle of the carriageway or having islands sticking out, creating obstructions. Westbourne Road needs streamlining.”

Councillors from Greenhead and Lindley wards will meet highways officers on February 3 to discuss the consultation results.

Other proposals could still go ahead, including a mini-roundabout and plateau on Broomfield Road to slow down traffic entering Jim Lane, Reed Street and Luck Lane.