A NEW traffic system introduced in Hamilton Square at the end of May is causing chaos to the area, according to visitors and people who work in the area - rapidly becoming known as 'Screech Square'.

The main area of concern is Argyle Street, which is one-way for cars, but the new bus lane drives into the on-coming traffic. There have been several scrapes already with drivers caught up in the confusion.

The main aims of the changes are to reduce the amount of traffic through Hamilton Square, to improve accessibility for buses and cyclists, and to make the area safer and more pleasant for pedestrians.

But the Square's users are outraged by the new system as they say it has made the area more dangerous and prone to accidents.

The changes are being introduced by the Hamilton Quarter, who are regenerating the Square to make it more accessible to pedestrians and tourists.

Since the regeneration began, there has been controversy about the types of changes being introduced. Ian Walker of the Hamilton Quarter says that people are being too quick to judge changes that are not complete yet.

He said: "The traffic system will be completed by July. It is far too early to comment on whether it is going to be a success.

"At the moment, patience is needed until people have become used to the system. There have been a few little bumps involving cars on Argyle Street so drivers should take care as they are responsible for their own actions.

"We have received very few complaints and we have responded to those. But we should wait and see until the changes are complete. If, in a couple of months, we are still having problems, we will look again at the situation but people should give us a chance."

David Hillhouse, Curator of Wirral Museums at the old Birkenhead Town Hall, agrees with Mr Walker and says whenever changes are introduced there is always some sort of opposition.

He said: "People often feel secure with what they know. When things change they begin to feel threatened and worry about how the changes will affect them.

"At the moment there are disruptions, particularly to traffic, but they seem a small price to pay for what we will get when the work is complete."

"The people who work in the area are not currently looking into the future as, understandably, they are only seeing the chaos the new traffic systems are causing in the area at the moment."

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