Battle pledged on painting of red lines

Lines on one of Sandwell's latest red routes will be painted on in October it was announced today, as protesters pledged to step up their action.

Approval was given to install the congestion-busting scheme along the All Saints Way and Newton Road from West Bromwich to Great Barr earlier this year. Preparation work to create parking bays and improve junctions is on and it is hoped the red markings will be down in three months, with restrictions in operation by December.

Councillor Mahboob Hussain, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing, said: "I'm confident it will be done some time in October."

Approval was granted for the scheme along the A4031 and A4041 in April despite widespread opposition from residents.

Hundreds of people signed a petition against the scheme which is costing £1.3 million of government cash.

Campaigners have even pledged to form a human barricade to stop the lines being painted on.

All Saints Way resident Miss Jagjeet Bajway, aged 39, said the scheme will have no impact on congestion but would wipe value off their homes and cause major difficulties for people living in the area.

"All the residents in All Saints Way and Newton Road objected to it," she said. "If we have to put in a human barricade, we will."

Last month approval was given to a red route on another of the Black Country's busiest roads.

Around £1 million will be spent installing the route on the A461 in Tipton from Great Bridge and through Dudley Port, despite objectors saying their businesses could be crippled.

Sandwell has been allocated £8.6m under the West Midlands Local Transport Plan.

Red routes are in place along a stretch of the A41 and the A34 Birmingham Road in Great Barr. Plans are also afoot for the A457 Sedgley Road and Dudley Road, as well as All Saints Way and Newton Road.