CONTROVERSIAL plans for a cycle track on Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, have been axed after furious traders told officials to get on their bike.

Worcestershire County Council has shelved proposals after traders vented their spleen at an exhibition to discuss changes.

About 1,000 traders and residents have signed a petition against measures which include more crossings on the hill and a pelican crossing over Station Approach at the entrance to the railway station.

Irate traders, who were only given 48 hours notice of the exhibition last Thursday, took county council contractor Halcrow to task.

Yesterday the authority confirmed it had axed the cycle track plan and was to review other measures.

Joan O'Brien, of ladies fashion shop Mayos, whose challenge to a Halcrow representative to cycle up the hill was declined, said: "The cycle track did not make sense from the start.

"Who has ever heard of a one-way cycle track, which is what in effect it would have been. I've never seen anyone cycle up the hill because it so steep."

She added: "As for the rest of the proposals, we will be keeping our eye on the council to see what it comes up with. We are against the changes."

She said a major concern was parking spaces on the hill would be axed to make way for the crossings.

She said: "Every parking space in Kidderminster is vital. Trade is diabolical enough in the town as it is without more spaces going. I deal with ladies who park and shop - we rely on that sort of customer."

Comberton Hill Traders Association Bob Davies said the "enhancement" scheme was a contradiction in terms.

He added: "For me, enhancement means more benches, waste bins and trees on the hill - that is what traders want."

County council senior project engineer Terry Baldock vowed the authority would scrap the proposals if a large majority of people voiced opposition in the questionnaires.

He apologised for the short notice about the exhibition but said there had been a delay in his receiving the questionnaires to distribute to traders.

He said: "It was a very useful consultation and we received a lot of helpful comments from people who have been on the hill for 30 to 40 years.

"People have until mid-September to return their questionnaires and we will then analyse the results.

"But I can say now that because of the resounding objection to the cycle track, it will not go ahead."