WIRRAL Council and Merseyside Police have taken the unusual step of a releasing a joint statement advising motorists to be careful when approaching Hamilton Square. There have been several accidents since Hamilton Quarter introduced new traffic flows involving a fast moving bus lane running the opposite direction to on-coming traffic.

Birkenhead ward Councillor Phil Davies says: "Drivers should be particularly alert as they go round the sqaure."

Inspector Mike Anderson of Wirral Traffic Police echoed the councillor's view and urged drivers to approach Hamilton Square with great caution. "It is just not drivers, who feel confused. Pedestrians will also take time to get used to traffic approaching from the new directions. Drivers must be extra vigilant for them, too."

Quango Hamilton Quarter introduced the new traffic system to historic Hamilton Square 'causing chaos' according to some firms in the Square.

We spoke to them about the changes.

LOUISE DAVIES - works at Chanins Chemist, Argyle Street

"There seem to have been a lot of crashes since the traffic system was changed. Drivers and pedestrians don't seem to know that buses now come down the street as it isn't well signed. Parking is now difficult. When it was a one way street drivers could just stop and run into the chemist but now they cannot do so, so it has affected business a bit."

MIKE ROBERTS - owner of Roberts News, Hamilton Street

"The square gardens were fine the way they were. I think the way the bus arrangements have been changed an the way part of the pavement has been taken out on Argyle Street, have spoiled the square, it was never intended to look like that. They've put modern bus stops are out of keeping with the square.

"Changes have been made to the direction of traffic which is causing complete and utter confusion and chaos. The chaos it is causing tends to keep people away. Small businesses in the area are worried that such confusing changes will keep custom away and threaten our survival.

"The proposal to move the war memorials is sacrilegious if that is what they intend to do.

"We would expect our Council to be responsible particularly with spending money.

"It is obvious to all of us that over the last two year all the changes made have been undesirable yet there is a small number of council and Hamilton Quarter officials who are telling us they are good for us and we are going to have it."

DI KAY - from Heswall

"I like the Square as it is a nice little oasis in the middle of nowhere. I am a bit bothered about the new traffic system as cars seem to be coming from all directions on Argyle Street. Apart from that I think the Square is great!"

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