Marooned in an office surrounded by racing traffic, Poole town centre staff are urging the council to throw them a lifeline.

The new road system feeding the two bridges has effectively cut off those who work in Westover House and other buildings, creating an island surrounded by fast moving traffic.

“It is extremely dangerous,” said Sarah Norbury, editor of Practical Boat Owner, who has missed her train on occasion because she has not been able to cross the road.

The building off Marston Road linking West Street and West Quay Road has created a one-way gyratory system for the Twin Sails Bridge and Poole Bridge, which has been described as a ‘racetrack’.

Those who work in the centre of it say they take their lives in their hands crossing the road, and are calling for signs urging the traffic to slow down, speed humps in West Quay Road and a pedestrian crossing on Marston Road.

Particularly dangerous is the crossing at the corner of Marston Road and West Quay Road, where fast traffic comes from two directions. “I have heard many people say someone will be killed here at some stage,” said Sarah. “The junction is a very scary place for pedestrians.”

Marc Rosenberg, news editor of Amateur Gardening said: “There has nearly been two head-on collisions with people going completely the wrong way on the system.”

Tim Rumball, Amateur Gardening editor said: “It’s really incredibly badly designed.”

Jenny Bagshaw, editor’s PA said with the traffic backed up at peak times, it was also impossible to get out onto West Quay Road, let alone get into the correct lane.

“Poole is not at all pedestrian friendly,” said Sally Charrett, deputy editor of Amateur Gardening.

Cllr Brian Clements, chairman of Borough of Poole’s economy overview and scrutiny committee, which is reviewing the two bridge road system, said: “The review should be taking account of all issues like that and coming forward with recommendations to try to make sure we have the best possible system for traffic and for people.”