Residents plead with authorities for alternative to £1m Carlisle road expansion

Joy Graham - one of about 40 people who confronted planners over the development during a heated public consultation meeting - said the authority has not taken the safety of local people into account.

Cumbria County Council arranged Monday night's meeting, at The Auctioneer in Rosehill, to explain its plans and allow those living in the area between the industrial estate and Eastern Way to voice their concerns.

However residents said that they were "not being listened to" and that the extra lane would not help to alleviate traffic.

"I only found out about the plans last Monday," Joy, who lives near the Toby Carvery, told the News & Star. "I was left in a state of shock and horror.

"Our primary concern is the safety of people living in the area. Putting an extra lane in will cause difficulties with the access and egress to our driveways. It's already difficult.

"We feel there's got to be an alternative solution."

Jack Paton, an independent councillor representing Botcherby on Carlisle City Council, also said he did not agree with the plans.

Joy Graham He said: "You're going to go from a single lane, to a double and then back to a single. I don't think it's going to help alleviate the traffic.

"You're also losing the pavement and the trees to widen the road.

"I'm here as a councillor to listen to the people, and it's clear they don't want this to happen."

Victoria Kelsall, senior program manager, said: "We wanted to put on a public consultation so people could come and look at the plans, find out about what we're proposing and give their opinions.

"We've had a mixed response. There's been positive feedback and people have expressed concern about the safety of cyclists, which is something we'll be able to look at."

If approved, the project is likely to cost £1m and work could start later this year. The money has been sourced from £4.6m awarded to upgrade roads across the county.