Bungay has shied away from tackling its traffic problems for too long, but now the time has come to meet that challenge 'head-on'.

That was the message from the town's deputy mayor as the row over plans for a new one-way system rumbled on.

Last week traders branded the scheme a 'nightmare' and voiced concern about how delivery lorries would reach their businesses.

Under the plans St Mary's Street and part of Lower Olland Street would become one-way.

The scheme, which will link the town's main shopping street with the existing one-way Trinity Street and Wharton Street in a one-way loop, has proved controversial since options were put out for public consultation in November.

The town council backed the plans at a meeting last week, a decision which has angered many townspeople.

Terry Reeve, the town's deputy mayor, said that Bungay's traffic problems and how to solve them has been on the agenda of the town council and other organisations for at least 30 years – with nothing being done.

'That cannot go on, and, following the public consultation process on three traffic management options, the town council has voted to support the one favoured by the majority of those who took the trouble to respond,' he said.

'There is no solution that will be perfect for everyone – none that will receive 100 per cent support from the townspeople.

'The council has backed a solution it believes is the best for the town and its residents overall, and in the areas where there is less to gain, steps will be taken to minimise the effect. We are past the point where the 'do nothing' option is acceptable.

'The concerns of those with businesses in the town centre, or those living in the streets affected, is perfectly understandable – there are questions that they need answers for.'

He added: 'The town council, and Suffolk County Council, are aware that devising a scheme which is acceptable to everyone is a challenge. But Bungay has shied away from tackling its traffic problems and making the town centre a more relaxed place in which to shop, walk and ride for too long. The time has come to meet that challenge head on. To make it succeed it needs a positive approach and the goodwill of everyone directly or indirectly affected, so that the compromises that will be needed can be reached.

'If that approach is forthcoming, I firmly believe the scheme being backed has the potential for real long-term benefits for the town, its businesses and its people.'