One of the “most awkward” streets in Forfar is to be made one way.
Vehicles using Canmore Street, which connects Castle Street and Queen Street, will soon only be able to travel in a south-east direction after a decision by Angus Council’s communities committee.
The move is a consequence of making a section of Castle Street one way almost four years ago, displacing traffic to Queen Street and Canmore Street.
Last year the council launched a consultation exercise after concerns that Canmore Street was an unsuitable route for the increased volume of vehicles.
BT, which has a telephone exchange building on Canmore Street, objected to the one-way proposal, stating that it needed access to its building 24 hours a day for vehicles of up to 38 tonnes.
The telecoms giant said larger vehicles could not enter the site when going forward in a south-east direction and that difficulties were experienced when entering the site in reverse.
Neil Turner, a resident of Queen Street who spoke at the council meeting, said making Canmore Street one way would lead to more traffic using his street.
“One-way traffic going south-east, as proposed, makes no sense whatsoever given that the street currently has traffic flow that at times is about 90% north-west.
“Traffic would be displaced at Green Street or the upper part of Queen Street if the council’s current proposal goes ahead.”
Forfar councillor Glennis Middleton gave her support to the change, which has been welcomed by the majority of people on Canmore Street.
She said: “We have worked with officers to come up with a solution to what has been a very tricky problem.
“Canmore Street is probably one of the smallest and definitely one of the most awkward streets in Forfar.
“I think this order is important for the peace and safety of residents.”
Moving the proposal, communities committee convener Donald Morrison said: “Residents, businesses and local elected members have been consulted on this and we have received a submission from 22 residents in favour of the recommendations.”