RESIDENTS fighting plans to turn Minehead's roads into a one-way system formed an action group this week - Residents Against Traffic System (RATS).

The six members are firmly opposed to the controversial £80,000 scheme, especially plans to make Blenheim Road a one-way street, and say the new system will create havoc and accidents.

The residents, who live in different parts of the town, created the group because they say that those behind the scheme were not listening to individuals' complaints.

A strongly-worded letter has been sent to county and district Cllr Colin Hill who is a member of the joint town, district and county council working group formed to draw up a scheme in order to improve the Friday Street junction.

However, RATS say that the scheme is not necessary, it will encourage speeding and will create more traffic which will be dangerous for residents and children.

The action group also argues that the proposals would have a detrimental effect on tourism by making the town 'pedestrian unfriendly' and including untidy traffic signs in the conservation area.

They also argue that there has been a lack of consultation over the matter and that at a meeting to discuss draft plans 12 months ago the idea was thrown out by residents and traders.

Action group secretary Jenny Growden said people in the town still wanted to see a public meeting help for everyone to put across their point of view.

"We formed the group because we all felt that we were not getting anywhere. We want a public meeting to voice our objections so we decided that several heads were better than one.

"We felt it was important to have people who represented different parts of the town and we hope to meet with the group who came up with the plans. Democracy must be seen to be done."

RATS also wants to know which county council committee will decided the final approval for the scheme and how the complaints would be dealt with.

They want all relevant material presented and a proper opportunity for all those concerned to air their views.

Minehead Town Cllr Martyn Snell said yesterday (Thursday): "Somerset County Council will be considering the traffic regulation order but if they decide to throw it out then the scheme will be scotched so there would be no point in having a public meeting.

"The clock is ticking but we felt that the best way forward was to sit down with a small group to discuss the matter quietly so that we could move forward."

Part of the plans is to move the bus stop down The Parade in order to create a larger taxi rank. The bus stop in Bancks Street would be removed and a section of the south side of The Parade pedestrianised.

Minehead Chamber of Trade has raised concerns that that parking spaces will suffer now that Clanville car park is likely to be sold off as part of West Somerset District Council's capital spending programme.

Around 30 of the written objections are from Blenheim Road residents. Minehead Town Council has also been flooded with angry calls and letters, and highways agency WS Atkins has received written 50 complaints.