REMOVING lanes and widening footways in Okehampton Town Centre are part of a traffic trial which Devon County Council is welcoming views on.

The trial is being carried out following a number of suggestions made during the development of the Fore Street and West Street Enhancement Scheme, which has been agreed by the county, borough and town councils.

Work on the scheme will begin in September and be completed by the end of November. It includes better pedestrian crossing facilities, wider footways and street lighting, similar to that in Fairplace, which has recently undergone enhancement work.

It was decided that it would be beneficial to have a trial period to ensure that the proposals work without undue inconvenience.

The temporary kerbs that are on the corner of Market Street and the area known as the 'pony park' in West Street are part of the trial.

The purpose of the widened footway adjacent to the Town Hall is to aid pedestrians as they try to cross Market Street towards Lloyds TSB Bank and the removal of the left turn lane in West Street is to make it safer for vehicles, who would previously either stop astride both lanes or swing out into the road to turn left, and pedestrian.

But members of Okehampton Chamber of Trade have received phone calls and letters from shoppers who say the removal of the left turn is causing 'great tailbacks' at the traffic lights.

Chamber chairman Ian Bailey said he would be writing to the authorities to voice these concerns.

'There is often a tailback in that area without the lane being removed and if people have to queue for extra time they may well find it easier to go to Launceston or Tavistock,' he said. 'This is the last thing that we, as a chamber, want.'

Any comments that you may have on the traffic trial, either good or bad, should be passed onto Devon County Council. Contact Tessa Jennings on 01392 382826 or Nick Pogodin on 01837 52773.

The full enhancement scheme covers Fore Street, West Street, Market Street and School Way. The traffic signal will also be completely replaced to bring it up to date.

A plan is available in the town hall for inspection.