TRAFFIC light plans for Upton town centre were opposed by local residents at a meeting this week.

Proposals to put lights at the junction of High Street, New Street and Old Street particularly upset local businesspeople, who felt it would kill trade.

Jon Lear, of the White Lion Hotel, said: "It's going to be a complete and utter nightmare. I know a lot of my guests won't be coming back."

The lights were one proposal arising from an accident study conducted by consultants Halcrow for Worcestershire County Council, following the high number of personal injury accidents in Upton in the last decade.

Stuart Kurton told the Upton Town Council meeting the lights were preferable to another option - a priority give-way system in Old Street - because it would reduce the accident rate by 60 per cent, remove illegal parking and was supported by police.

He said the delay at the traffic lights would be very minimal.

The traffic lights proposal also included making Court Street one-way. Town councillors approved of this, but several felt Dunn's Lane should also have a one-way system.

Councillors were not satisfied with the traffic lights plan and will consider the study before voting to support or oppose it.

The meeting also heard the results of an HGV survey conducted by the county council, which showed Upton did not have a particular problem with lorries driving through town.

Councillors were sceptical and have asked for more information.

Tim Drake was co-opted on to the council to replace Coun David Slade.