Ledbury stationmaster John Goldrick has spoken out against a proposed new traffic lights scheme on The Homend, close to the junction with the Hereford Road.

Last week Mike Sterry, managing director of coach company Smith's Motors, said the £20,000 scheme would lead to his entrance being blocked and could cause extra congestion.

Now Mr Goldrick has join the fight against the proposed lights, which could be installed within three months.

"I too am far from happy with the effect they could have on the railway station access," he said.

"Due to the acute angle of turn from the Bosbury/Hereford direction, a wide swing is required to get into the station and this is very difficult if cars are queuing to get out.

"If traffic cannot turn right out of the station because of queues for the traffic lights it's going to be very difficult to get. If the junction then becomes blocked by tailbacks, nobody could end up going anywhere for some time; and that's without any buses being about.

"If ever a junction does not want traffic lights, this is it."

He suggested a mini-roundabout as an alternative.

John Colyer, Herefordshire Council's transportation manager said the authority did not plan to put in "any special provision for this entrance".

But added: "The access to the station is one of the things we are considering to make sure it's not unduly affected. It will make us consider carefully where we put the lights.

"But bearing in mind the traffic volumes are not enormous, the fear of queues for a considerable time is not realistic. The fears are unfounded.

"I wouldn't claim there will never be any problems, but the problems will be short lived. The entrance to the train station is quite large. There's plenty of room for any other than the largest of vehicles to make the necessary manoeuvres."