OPPONENTS to the controversial Poole old town gyratory system aim to pack a key council meeting tonight in a show of force.

Residents want to demonstrate to Borough of Poole’s transportation advisory group that a one-way gyratory system feeding the Twin Sails Bridge is wrong, and are calling for a rethink.

Andrew Hope, who has devised an alternative road system, said: “This doesn’t just concern people adjacent to the gyratory itself.

“It concerns everybody who uses and visits Poole.”

The council’s plan is for a £930,000 gyratory scheme with West Quay Road from Bay Hog Lane to the Marston Link one-way northbound and West Street from New Orchard to Bay Hog Lane one-way southbound.

Residents fear this “archaic” system will create a racetrack, cause pollution, be pedestrian and cycle unfriendly and shake the old houses off their foundations.

Their alternative plans, which they say are simpler, cheaper and less destructive, would have two-way traffic along West Quay Road and leave West Street for local traffic.

“It’s going to mean that the bridge is overshadowed by a rather disastrous traffic solution,” said Mr Hope.

“The bridge is a brilliant bit of engineering, something Poole needs, whether it’s in the right place or not.

“It needs to be a success.”

A meeting was held last week between residents and council.

Councillor Xena Dion, cabinet member for transportation, said she was considering all representations and would take her time making her decision.

“One of the big questions is the developments have not happened yet,” she said. “We need to cater for increased traffic.”

Steve Tite, principal transportation service manager, has admitted the gyratory system is not essential to traffic flow for the two lifting bridges.

“We could open the bridge as it is now and it would work perfectly fine,” he said.

l The public meeting of the transportation advisory group takes place at 7pm in the Civic Centre.