A petition containing 121 signatures has been sent to Herefordshire Council in protest at proposed traffic lights in the Homend, close to the junction with Hereford Road.

Coach firm Smiths Motors has already asked the highways authority to "think again" over fears that vehicles would face problems entering and leaving its yard.

Ledbury stationmaster John Goldrick is also "far from happy" with the plan, which could also affect access to the nearby railway station.

Newbury Park resident Ann Roberts said she had received "almost 100 per cent support" after taking her petition round the residents of the Homend, Newbury Park and Langlands. She said: "The main reason for the objection is because of tail-backs through the town blocking driveways and roads, and the lights by Tesco's just a few hundred yards away.

"I would question the necessity for lights at this junction. I've lived in Ledbury for more than 30 years and I've never heard of an accident here causing either injury or death.

"The longest hold-up I've encountered is 15-20 cars at peak time, taking maybe five minutes to get through."

Mrs Roberts said lights at the junction would be "using a sledgehammer to crack a nut".

She has sent a copy of the petition to Ledbury's mayor Spencer Lane, who said: "It's nice to see local people getting involved and this is the correct way to do it. I hope Herefordshire Council will take note. The situation needs looking at and re-evaluating in the light of her comments. It's not an accident blackspot."

John Colyer, Herefordshire Council's transportation manager said the problem of visibility under the railway bridge by the junction will get worse with traffic growth in the future.

"We're being proactive and heading off a potential safety problem," he said. "There's clearly a reasonable level of local concern and it's up to our elected members to get involved."

Mr Colyer said he would not rule out the scheme being shelved, adding: "We're not in the business of imposing things on people that they do not want. However, in my view the fears being expressed are not justified."

Mr Colyer said that he had not yet responded to Mrs Roberts' letter as, local councillors were chosen in the recent elections, important positions such as the cabinet member for the environment had not yet been decided. When this is resolved shortly, councillors will look into the matter and a response will be made within a few weeks.