A Dunstable Town Councillor has quit as a Conservative respresentative, saying he was misled over the Downs Road traffic controversy.
Neal Reynolds stepped down after claiming “untruths” surrounding Central Beds Council’s decision to introduce a one-way system into Downs Road were undemocratic.
Earlier this month, the council announced that Downs Road will be one-way and remain open at its junction with Barton Avenue – a change made to the previously outlined Traffic Order known as Option 5.
Mr Reynolds, of Half Moon Lane, Dunstable, has been a fervent campaigner against alterations being made to Downs Road throughout the various consultation processes. He said: “At a meeting with myself, Councillor Brian Spurr stated that he could not add or remove items from Option 5. He then went and implemented only part of the Traffic Order.
“He informed us that it would benefit our cause if we carried out a petition.
“The results of two petitions were 1,235 against and 104 in favour. Did Councillor Spurr go with the majority? You’ve guessed it, no.” Central Beds Council reportedly received 272 letters against the changes, and 36 in favour.
Mr Reynolds added: “I feel no animosity towards the residents of Downs Road, they fought a good fight.It is however unfortunate that this dispute has caused bitterness among neighbours. It is my opinion that most of this was caused by the way the council handled the situation.”
“As Councillor Spurr is a member of the largest group on the council and has the support of the Conservative group, I wonder if it is the case that a Conservative-controlled Central Beds Council can ever be trusted?
“As an independent councillor I will be able to serve the Manshead ward without having to tread the party line.
“To the Conservatives who voted for me I apologise. I thought that democracy would prevail but it didn’t.”
Councillor Spurr said: “At the meeting, I made the decision I believe is right for this situation. I’ve listened to the views of residents and council officers and made modifications to the original proposals that were discussed. Ultimately my priority is to keep roads safe and keep people moving and I felt duty bound to tackle the unacceptably high traffic volumes in Downs Road.”