Cheltenham Road roundabout chaos suspended

The Conservative-run Gloucestershire County Council has backed down over the changes to the Cheltenham Road roundabout and scrapped the trial - after a massive backlash from local residents.

The Liberal Democrats in Longlevens had demanded changes to the scheme to make it safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Sarah Sawyer and Linda Castle raised their concerns with the Conservative-run county council about the safety of the roundabout.

New cycle lanes were installed along Estcourt Road as part of a scheme to improve the cycle network between Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Highways officers had said the scheme was half-finished and further work was to be carried out but now the scheme has been suspended.

The Conservatives at Shire Hall blamed "unusually high levels of traffic" diverting from the A40 to avoid works at Longford roundabout.

They have now agreed to consult later on a revised scheme that is "more sympathetic to the local area".

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Kingsholm & Wotton, said: "The Tory cabinet has at last come to its senses.

"The changes to the roundabout created chaos and danger for road users, be they motorists, cyclists or pedestrians.

"The project was rushed into place without due consideration. Projects like this one need to be carefully considered, fully consulted on and professionally implemented. This hasn't been done.

"There are other problems on London Road itself, such as the removal of residents parking bays, the speed camera and the pedestrian refuge outside Tesco.

"Nigel Moor has to sort these faults out as well. The Tories took government money and imposed this project on Kingsholm without thinking it through."