Chamber 'happy with assurances'

THE town's Chamber of Commerce has said it is 'happy' after assurances were given over the two lanes of traffic remaining after the realm works are completed.

Following the initial phase of the public realm works, concerns have been raised about the new road layout.

Fears that a new bus stop could reduce the two lanes of traffic to one causing gridlock have been expressed

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The Chamber of Commerce committee met earlier this week, a spokesman said: "The controversy over the two lanes of traffic in the town was raised from the master plan map distributed to the business community of the town.

"This map clearly shows bus bays obstructing one lane of traffic effectively reducing it down to one lane and not two.

"During the whole consultation period assurances have been consistently given for two lanes of traffic through the centre of the town as this was deemed necessary as through traffic must use the town centre because Millennium Way has never been completed."

He continued: "A meeting was recently convened with representatives from the council, Roads Service, RPS the consultants, the Chamber of Commerce and a councillor.

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"At this meeting the Roads Service gave assurances there would be a three metre bus bay plus 5.5metres road width which is adequate for two carriageways

"They have said the existing road markings are not part of the new scheme and may be misleading at present and the map distributed to the business community is not totally accurate.

"The Chamber of Commerce is happy with the undertaking given that the two lanes of traffic will be maintained at all times."

A row erupted after traders were told a 'mistake' had been made and the pavement outside Gordon's Chemist had to be relaid.

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Following the initial phase of the construction period it was thought a bus stop intruded into traffic, reducing it down to one lane.

However, a council statement said the road would be 'sufficient' to allow vehicles to pass while a bus is parked and therefore maintain two lanes of traffic.

At last Monday's council meeting the director of development told councillors an investigation was underway.

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