A CONTROVERSIAL one-way system in Halesowen, which has been 20 years in the making, is going ahead despite Lapal residents turning out en masse at a public meeting to block it.

Furious residents from Carters Lane, Cavendish Road, Hipkiss Avenue and neighbouring roads berated councillors at the Halesowen South and North Community Forum over the Safer Routes to School scheme for Lapal Primary.

Tuesday’s meeting, at Leasowes Academy, was packed after an “anonymous letter” was sent to residents misinforming them they could overturn the decision to make Priory Road one-way.

There were angry exchanges as residents complained they had been unaware of last year’s consultation and several warned the new system would cause accidents.

Lapal resident David Noott said: “I agree with most of the changes but the one way system on Priory Road will cause traffic problems with the junction of Manor Way.

“The amount of buses that swing around that junction will be even more dangerous if the whole of Priory Road is a one way system, it has not been thought through and we deserve better.”

Josh Rollason, of Cavendish Road, said: “We have not been told what was going to happen and have been totally ignored in favour of what Priory Road residents want. I want assurances this does not happen again.”

Dr Ken Taylor, who spoke on behalf of Priory Road residents, said the inconvenience to motorists was worth it knowing schoolchildren would be safe.

However, residents from other roads slammed his viewpoint accusing Priory Road residents for scuppering a previous road safety plan 20 years ago.

Carters Lane residents, who had been aware of last year’s consultation, were angry the original decision for the one-way system to stop before their service road had been overturned without their knowledge.

Anita Gregory said: “The council should have had the decency to tell us.

“This has been handled very poorly.”

Halesowen South’s three councillors David Vickers, Alan Taylor and Nick Gregory supported the Safer Routes To School scheme including the one-way system.

Cllr Hilary Bills, Dudley Council cabinet member for transport, who made the final decision on new road safety measures, was barracked as she spoke.

She said: “The three ward councillors made a brave decision in the best interests of the whole community and I supported them.

“This has been going on for the best part of 20 years and a decision had to be made but the best answer would be that parents walk their children to school.”

Reverend Hazel Charlton, from St Peter’s Church, received a round of applause when she offered the use of the church car park to ease congestion.