A RADICAL traffic-calming scheme planned for the "poets' roads" estate in Thornhill has been given a mixed reception by residents.

The new measures would see traffic humps removed from Hinkler Road and replaced with chicanes in a move aimed at slowing traffic on the busy estate in the west of the city.

A one-way system would be introduced along the busy Thornhill Avenue, heading southbound from Thornhill Park Road to Browning Avenue.

Other measures would include introducing "priority" signs and islands along Byron Road and a 20mph zone outside Thornhill Primary School.

If given the green light, the scheme would be paid for by the area's New Deal for Communities Fund and Southampton City Council.

But some residents fear that the one-way plan for Thornhill Avenue would turn the neighbouring Byron Road and Browning Avenue into a rat run for traffic.

The measures were outlined by highways chiefs at a packed public meeting at the Eastpoint Centre on the estate last Friday.

Residents were also asked to complete a survey asking them what measures they would like to see to improve road safety.

But Chaucer Road resident Colin Gilbert told the meeting: "The proposed one-way system in Thornhill Avenue and speed humps in other roads do not enhance the lives of the residents and are not wanted.

"It's an absurd idea to create a problem in one road and then cause many more problems in adjacent roads trying to counter it."

Sidney Noke of Cowper Road said: "Everybody has their own ideas but I think that they should open up Hinkler Road. That was what it was built for."

Carol Gilbert of Chaucer Road added: "Trying to make Thornhill Avenue one-way will not work because it will push traffic along Byron Road and Browning Avenue.

"Hinkler Road needs improving but my objection is to what they are proposing to do in Thornhill Avenue."

Speaking after the meeting, Bitterne ward councillor Penny Baldwin said: "The idea of traffic-calming is very good. We need it and they need to look at it properly and consult with the people who live here because they know what they want."

Southampton City Council's transport engineer Graham Redman said the proposals would only be acted upon if residents approved them.