PLANS to install traffic lights on a busy town bridge have angered residents who say the move could lead to traffic chaos.

Some householders in Topsham have said putting traffic lights on Fishers Bridge over the River Clyst so one lane can be made into a footpath and cycleway is "the worst of all worlds".

Nigel Cheffers-Heard, owner of the Bridge Inn, was also annoyed about what he said was a lack of public consultation.

He said: "Until the letter regarding the bridge proposal was dropped through our door last Friday, we at the Bridge Inn had no idea any scheme such as this even existed."

He added: "The fact that there has been no wider public consultation — to our knowledge, only four houses in Bridge Hill and the Fishers Mill were informed by the hand-delivered letter — suggests to us that no account has been taken of the likely effect of these works on many of the inhabitants of Topsham and the possible consequences of the proposed course of action."

The area, including Bridge Hill, is part of the eastern side of Topsham Conservation Area, which extends to the River Clyst and contains two listed buildings.

The proposal to provide the footway/cyclepath would mean the installation of traffic lights at each end of the bridge, limiting traffic flow to one way alternately.

Mr Cheffers-Heard said he was in favour of encouraging cycling and walking but any scheme should not be considered in isolation of the surrounding area.

He added: "We are aware of the fact that there is a potential conflict between cyclists and pedestrians versus motor vehicles on this bridge, but feel that the proposed solution is the worst of all worlds."

He also said during peak travel times the road from Topsham to Fishers Mill was already busy, and that when the railway line barriers were down, the traffic queues already extended to the bottom of Bridge Hill.

He added: "Of course, the real solution is to build a separate crossing of the Clyst specifically for the use of cyclists and pedestrians."

Rob Newby, city councillor for Topsham, said: "I would support the proprietor of the Bridge Inn with his concerns as there could be a possible loss of trade for them if traffic was queuing across their car park entrance.

"My main concern, though, is the emergency services. I'm a bit unsure of how the system would work.

"I wonder if this has been thought through."

He added: "This is Devon County Council's cheap way out."

Andrew Leadbetter, county councillor for Topsham, said: "There will now be a public consultation.

"I am going to see Mr Cheffers-Heard to discuss his concerns. I want people's views and I will represent those."

Cllr Leadbetter said the bridge needed to be made safe for pedestrians and cyclists and the issue would be debated at November's highways and traffic orders committee meeting.

He also said that the decision could be put back if it was felt more consultation was needed.

A county council spokesman said: "No firm decisions have yet been made and the council will be reporting to the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee either in November or January.

"There will be public consultation, and consultation with our statutory partners, before a proposal is determined by the committee."