MORE than 600 people have signed a petition demanding a u-turn over "foolhardy" plans to close two roads to peak-time traffic in north Watford.

Residents are calling door-to-door in Tudor ward, the Meriden estate and Lea Farm every evening to let householders know about the scheme to close Woodmere and Tudor avenues as part of the North Watford Transportation Plan.

Meriden Residents' Association secretary Mrs Karen Woo said feeling against the scheme was escalating.

She said: "It's ludicrous - it has got to be the one thing that has upset absolutely everybody since the residents' association was formed.

"People, especially the elderly, have been in tears over this.

"Others have threatened to block roads leading into the Meriden.

"We haven't been consulted about these proposals .

"We feel this is an intrusion of our rights as Watford Council Tax payers."

Opponents say the plans will result in the further division of communities either side of the A41.

The Rev Chris Cottee, of St Peter's Church, Watford, has joined the chorus of complaints.

He said: "St Peter's parish is already seriously divided by the A41.

"But the Meriden estate and roads around it are part of the parish, and part of the life and concern of our church."

Hertfordshire County Council has stressed the plans were still at a "proposal" stage.

It said further, detailed consultation would take place before the matter was considered by the environment cases sub-committee.

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