Villagers have forced the Highways Agency into a U-turn over controversial plans to divert traffic from the A34 through Marcham.

The agency said traffic would be diverted through Abingdon rather than the notoriously dangerous A415 Packhorse Lane in Marcham during night-time closures on the A34 for repairs in July.

Marcham villagers were concerned about the increase in traffic along Packhorse Lane, especially from heavy lorries, after the agency drew up its original plan.

Malcolm Denton, chairman of Marcham Parish Council, wrote to the Highways Agency urging it to reconsider. He said: "I sent them photographs of lorries that blocked the road and that seemed to make them rethink."

Parish councillor Marjorie Evans said: "I am absolutely delighted. The last thing that Marcham needs is HGVs diverted from the A34.

"The road is inadequate, it's too narrow, too bendy and drivers who are not familiar with the road could cause no end of damage to property."

Highways Agency spokesman Stuart Thompson said: "Marcham has raised a concern and we have taken the concern on board and we have looked at potential solutions."

It has still not been confirmed which route traffic will be diverted through Abingdon.

More overnight roadworks will take place on the M40, between junctions four and nine, on Monday, June 9. The work could take up to 18 months.