FURIOUS parish councillors have slammed a decision not to make Lydyett Lane in Barnton a one-way system.

For 40 years the parish council has been fighting to ease the problems of parking and speeding down the narrow road.

Residents were asked to fill in a survey about traffic issues, particularly on Lydyett Lane, to send to the county council as part of their village plan.

Many said they wanted a one-way system but despite this their requests have been turned down.

Highways officers along with police have now decided to place double yellow lines half way down the road - where cars do not park anyway.

The decision was made at two site meetings which were held in November between chief engineer Richard Flood, highways officers Mark Jones and Rob Calland, representatives from Cheshire Police and parish chairman Clr Maurice Ferguson and parish clerk Roy Garton.

Mr Garton said: "Basically they don't want to know.

"They say if they make it a one-way system it will be hazrdous and create more accidents and the police supported them.

"All they were saying was: "This is how it will work.

"If this doesn't work, I am going to take this further - I will be taking them to the Ombudsman.

"Basically they are not taking any notice of people."

Parish chairman Maurice Ferguson was equally unimpressed.

He said: "It was like talking to a brick wall.

"It was absolutely disgusting. They weren't prepared to give us anything.

"It beggars belief that they want to put three feet of double yellow lines where nobody parks anyway."

A spokesman for Cheshire County Council said, it had worked closely with the parish council and had explained the situation.

The spokesman said: "We are a caring local authority, we listen closely to what is said and we are pleased when people come forward with suggestions.

"But we do have to ensure what is sought after is both practical and safe.

"We have to ensure any input is for the good of the community as a whole.

"What one set of people might think is a solution for their problem should not be allowed to lead to a fresh set of problems for others.

"In this case the creation of a one-way street would result in faster traffic unimpeded by oncoming vehicles.

"Additionally it was considered that the creation of a one-way street would then divert other traffic now restricted from using that highway, onto other neighbouring streets."

He added: "The difficulty in Lydyett Lane arises from parking allowed on one side of the road with the result that oncoming traffic has nowhere to go, and then has to back off to allow traffic movement.

"By the creation of shorter lengths of designated parking we hope to create passing places to allow the movement of vehicles with less impact on the public."