Talks are still ongoing over a new road scheme in Leighton-Linslade that could potentially relieve traffic congestion and improve public transport links by forcing commuters to divert from their normal route.
It was revealed back in January that the scheme would be funded by the new housing developments in Billington Road and would help to enhance the whole area including Grovebury Road, Chartmoor Road, Leston Road and Lake Street.
The proposal led by Central Bedfordshire Council is structured to encourage traffic from the south to use Grovebury Road as a preferred route into the town, with the intention of making Billington Road a ‘non-commuter’ route by enforcing a 20mph speed limit and narrowing the road.
Leighton-Linslade Town Council met last week to discuss the plans.
It has been suggested that the start of the changes will begin in November, but Councillor Ray Berry spoke of his concern over the impact of the works in the lead up to Christmas.
Mr Berry said: “You can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs. You are always going to have a bottleneck at that junction unless we do something about it, but we want to make sure the work does not affect the town and put off people going to shop there.”
The plans also involve removing the traffic lights by Morrisons and replacing them with a roundabout and installing a new roundabout at Lake Street and Leston Road junction. Public transport access for cyclists and pedestrians could also be improved from the Sandhills area into the town centre.
Councillor Ken Sharer said: “I am for the changes because we need the changes, but who is going to enforce the 20mph speed limits? Not me, not you, but the police enforcement can put cameras down although they are very expensive items. I am concerned and want to know it is being thought through properly. My aim is to help the community, that is all I want.
“Remember, it is still under discussion. The decision is with Central Bedfordshire Council, not the town council. It looks very positive, but we will see what comes out of the final decision.”
Central Beds Council deputy executive member for sustainable communities (services), Councillor Budge Wells, said: “The first stage of the Leston Road/Lake Street/Billington Road scheme, comprising footway renewal in Leston Road, will be undertaken in November with works set to continue into Lake Street early in the new year.”