A WAVE of public opinion has forced the county council to reconsider its plans for a controversial overhaul of Headington's roads.

Original plans for the £12.5m Access to Headington scheme – which were drawn up in an attempt to improve traffic in the area – involved the removal of all parking spaces on Headley Way and Windmill Road in place of cycle lanes and footpaths.

But new plans, which were developed after residents complained the removal of on-street parking would encourage drivers to speed up and reduce the level of safety in the area, involve the retaining of parking spaces.

Windmill Primary School is at the centre of Access to Headington, and governor Geoff Sutton said it was "brilliant" the county council had listened to residents after he first raised fears over pupils' safety on the roads.

He said: "I'm pleased the council have listened to our consultations and I really hope that now come and talk to us and we can work together to put something in place that works for everyone and is for the benefit of everyone

"I would encourage them to come and speak to us."

The proposal for Headley Way involves the retention of approximately 15 parking bays on the western side between Bowness Avenue and Copse Lane and 13 between Bowness Avenue and Snowdon Mede.

All parking would be provided half on and half off the footway with dropped kerbs, totalling a loss of approximately 17 parking bays in Headley Way.

The plans for Windmill Road show the retention of seven on-street parking bays between Mattock Close and the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, four between Margaret Road and Gathorne Road and nine between Gathorne Road and Rock Edge.

These proposals result in the loss of approximately 18 parking bays on Windmill Road.

Despite the deferral of plans, which were meant to be made yesterday, county council spokesman Martin Crabtree said works would still go ahead as planned in the summer.

He said: "The deferral will allow the county council time to consult on other options specifically for Headley Way and Windmill Road that retain some on-street parking while also providing continuous cycle lanes and more space to ease traffic flow.

"The consultation will take place between April 28 and May 23 and the proposals will be made available online and letters will be posted to those residents and stakeholders directly affected.

"The decision is scheduled to be made on June 9."

To access plans, visit: oxfordshire.gov.uk/accessheadington