Residents on a housing estate were shocked to learn that a request has been made for a Low Traffic Neighbourhood to be implemented.

A group of residents requested Witney Town Council to look into the Burwell Meadow estate becoming an LTN back in 2021.

They said they had enjoyed reduced traffic noise and air pollution during the Covid lockdowns.

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Michael Lockwood from Burwell Meadow Residents' Group told Witney Town Council's Traffic Advisory Committee the road was not safe.

He said: "The road was originally designed with bends to reduce speed. However, improvements in car technology mean vehicles can now corner at much higher speeds and drivers and motorcyclists often approach this chicane in the road as if it were part of a race track.

"At the moment, we feel that the Burwell Meadow through road is not a safe environment for walking or cycling.

“The road leads to two primary schools at one end and a nursery at the other, so children frequently use the route, as well as elderly residents, some of whom use mobility scooters.”

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The group leafletted the estate at the time inviting residents to complete an online survey.

Ninety per cent of respondents wanted to see through traffic reduced and 82.5 per cent wanted Burwell Meadow to be access-only at all times, he said.

In Oxford controversial low traffic neighbourhoods have created division in the city.

Opponents argue the measures could push pollution and motorists to boundary areas and LTNs harm businesses.

One Burwell resident, who did not wish to be named, said last week: “That would be hateful, horrendous. I didn’t know about it but I’m dead against it. We don’t want bollards and planters everywhere.

“Yes, it’s fairly busy and we have buses going each way but it’s fine. I live alone and it would be difficult for my family and friends to come. I don’t think you’ll find anyone who supports it and if they do put it in there will be hell to pay.

"Who wants bollards in the road, kids will just knock them over.”

A business owner added: “I don't know how my deliveries would get here.

"The problem is, I don’t think there’s the infrastructure in place. It’s like the cycle lane in Corn Street, shouldn’t they plan the infrastructure first before preventing us driving our cars?”

Oxfordshire County Council confirmed that a next step is being taken and the request is under review.

A spokesperson said: “The county council is now monitoring traffic movements in the local area to gain more understanding of the potential impacts, which will be discussed with residents.”

Ted Fenton, county councillor for Witney West and Bampton, said he had heard nothing recently from residents but those living on the road that connects Thorney Leys with Burwell Drive were, on the whole, more enthusiastic than those living on the side roads.

Cllr Andrew Coles, chair of the Witney Traffic Advisory Committee, said that speeding traffic rat running through Burwell Meadow "is a big concern, most especially to those that live there".

He said: “The committee has highlighted those concerns to Oxfordshire County Council as the highway authority and is keen to work with them to address and hopefully resolve the issues.”