RETAILERS in Morecambe's West End claim new traffic calming measures will badly affect local businesses.

Council plans for speed humps, chicanes and one-way traffic in the area have been branded "stupid" by local residents and retailers.

And they are hoping a petition will make the council think again.

"The proposals don't make any sense. In fact, they're completely stupid," said Mike West, who has a shop in Albert Road.

"We're not against some sort of traffic calming but no one around here wants a one-way system. No one had any idea that the council were planning to introduce this. They have not consulted anyone. Why didn't they come down here and speak to the people who live and work here to see what they want?"

Another local businessman, Mr Edmondson, said: "There is no need for any more alterations in the West End... there's no 'traffic' to calm!

"This is partly due to the first stage of the scheme. The architects and planners have already messed the system up. They draw something that looks good on paper but in reality just doesn't work. If they took notice of people in touch with the public and then did their drawings, it might work better.

He added: "All I can do is apologise to disgruntled motorists and shoppers for the poor road layout and lack of a decent car park."

Ward councillor, Trevor Tattersall, said he welcomed the measures in principle but thought certain parts of the plan needed rethinking.

"Basically it's a good idea but parts seem convoluted and confused," he said. "Albert Road in particular seems very complicated. If you're not sure where you are going it would be very easy to get lost and give up altogether."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.