plans to tackle some of Ledbury's worst road safety problems have been welcomed by campaigners in the town.

They include ending the rat-run through Knapp Lane by making either end one-way, a move welcomed by resident Margaret Moore who comforted a dying motorcyclist on her driveway after an accident in 1997.

Mrs Moore, who lives beside the Worcester Road junction, recently carried out a DIY traffic survey to underline the use of the road as a rat-run avoiding Top Cross.

Herefordshire Council proposes making the Homend to Homend Crescent one-way, along with Worcester Road to Fourways Cross.

Mrs Moore said: "It would be really brilliant.

"Mary Winfield and I did a video and count and there were nearly 200 vehicles in two hours. The speed was quite intense.

"Do we want two or three people killed before anything is done?"

Fellow campaigner Mrs Winfield said: "Knapp Lane is needed to access some of the most lovely walks around Ledbury. We are delighted as walkers, riders and motorists."

A "global plan" to solve Ledbury's major traffic problems, of which Knapp Lane forms part, could be implemented in 18 months, according to Herefordshire Council engineer Andy Lee-Jones.

He said: "Our view is that while we could say yes we'll do this, it's better to get the backing of local people first."

Mr Lee-Jones has started a series of consultations with the town council, while putting forward his own ideas.

He has also responded to complaints from Woodleigh Road residents concerning the volume of traffic, measured at up to 1,800 vehicles in 12 hours.

A one-way system could be introduced, and a footway constructed for pedestrian safety.

Mr Lee-Jones' proposal for Bye Street is to put in lights or make it one-way, with a pelican crossing at the Homend junction. The footway for pedestrians could then be widened.

Ledbury Town Council has expressed concerns that Bye Street could experience increased traffic when the new Community Hospital is opened in March, 2002.

David Lloyd, the health authority's project manager for the new hospital said, of the one-way proposal: "A Green Transport Plan is being drawn up. I don't think the hospital will create a worse situation for the middle of the town."