Councillors have unanimously backed a motion not to support plans for an extra lane on Carlisle's Warwick Road.

The motion, which was tabled by Colin Glover, leader of Carlisle City Council, was discussed at a meeting of all members last night.

Mr Glover previously told the News & Star that he thought the scheme was "a step too far" and that Cumbria County Council - the authority that has tabled the scheme - take into the concerns of residents.

Those living nearby have argued that creating an extra lane on the westbound side of the road between Warwick Road's junctions with the Rosehill Industrial Estate and Eastern Way would increase safety risks.

They have also opposed the removal of trees, which they say create a welcoming entrance to the city and also act as a natural flood defence.

A petition, which gained more than 5,000 signatures, was presented by Carlisle MP John Stevenson to Parliament yesterday.

Mr Glover added that an alternative option should be sought to improve the existing junctions.

Jack Paton, an independent councillor for Botcherby, supported Mr Glover's motion. He said: "It's wrong for the county council to go ahead with this. I agree with councillor Glover that the county council should scrap this and listen to what the people want."

John Mallinson, leader of the Conservative group and councillor for Longtown and Rockcliffe, said that he was under the impression that traffic at the junction between Warwick Road and the Rosehill Industrial Estate could increase to 140 per cent of its capacity by the early 2020s.

He said: "It's clear that members on this side will be supporting this motion.

"I know that John Stevenson will be grateful for the support of people in this room. I think you don't have to look at the plans in too much detail to see that they're not acceptable."

Conservative councillors Barry Earp and John Collier, who represent Wetheral and Burgh respectively, both said that traffic problems lie elsewhere on Warwick Road.

Mr Collier said that traffic problems are greater on Warwick Road's junction with Victoria Place, close to St Aidan's Church.

Mr Earp said: "I have been down this stretch of road thousands of times and I'm going to support the motion.

"The problem needs to be looked at sensibly and at present its further on towards the city."