CHUDLEIGH councillors have responded to resident unrest by requesting an early review of the controversial traffic calming scheme in the town.
Devon County highways officers had originally said the scheme would be reviewed over the next two years, but councillors agreed at the Chudleigh Parish Council meeting on Monday that residents with genuine concerns about the scheme deserve an answer much sooner.
A 600-signature petition against the scheme that includes what some have termed 'confusing' chicanes on the Parade and Coburg Corner, has been lodged with the county council.
Despite the complaints, police say they have been pleased with the decrease in traffic speeds of up to 10 mph.
Highways officer Andrew Butler has confirmed that alterations to 'slalom' parking bays in New Exeter Street are on the cards, along with the replacement of loading bays with 20 minute parking spaces at Conduit Square.
Councillors have requested that as soon as these changes are complete, a period of monitoring should begin, with a public review to be held in June.
Chairman Cllr Bill Stanyon said that the 600 signatories on the petition accounted for a fifth of Chudleigh's population and argued that the majority may be showing approval for the scheme in their silence.
Cllr Charlie West warned the council that the residents who signed the petition felt that the parish was not listening to their concerns.
'They want to see action now, not in two years time. If the council does not respond, it is likely that they will call a parish meeting and then a parish poll to make people listen', he said.
Cllr West said he wanted to see a review by the end of the year, but some said that this would be too soon.
Vice-chairman Cllr David Bone proposed that monitoring should begin when adjustments are completed in December, with a public review six months later in June.
The proposal was seconded by Cllr Geoff Day and agreed by all councillors except Cllr West.