PEOPLE power has forced developers to do a U-turn on plans to make Fairfax Road in Prestwich a one-way route.

Town Hall bosses have refused the request from Carillion to close part of the road for 18 months while it built the Radius apartments complex.

However, the highways department has given the company approval to close part of the southerly footway instead, on condition that a temporary zebra crossing is put in place to help pedestrians cross the road.

The developer is looking at relocating builders' huts off the site to give more working space within the current site boundaries.

The original proposal, which would have come into effect on Monday (July 26), caused an uproar when revealed in the Guide.

Residents feared it would cause traffic chaos, as motorists travelling from Poppythorn Lane towards Bury New Road would have been diverted along Rectory Lane and St Mary's Road.

The contractors wanted the closure so they could accept deliveries and unload materials for the complex.

The new agreement has been made under delegated powers by borough engineer Mike Cannon, in consultation with Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for environment and transport.

Coun Connolly said: "The council has listened to the arguments and understands the concerns which have been raised by the community of Prestwich.

"After careful consideration, the decision has now been taken that the developer's request should be refused and that two-way working should be retained on the whole length of Fairfax Road."

The news was welcomed by Coun Vic D'Albert, chairman of Prestwich area board which had demanded a rethink.

"It's important that the council has backed the area board on this," he said. "I think that closing the footpath is a reasonable compromise, and the zebra will allow people to cross the road at that point."

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis was also delighted, saying: "Prestwich people are always willing to be tolerant and understanding, but the original proposal was farcical from day one and totally unacceptable.

"I expect the council and developer to work together to minimise the impact of the development on local residents, traders, the church and the school. Some people will be unhappy about the footpath, but the vast majority will recognise that it's a compromise solution which causes far less inconvenience than the one originally proposed."