REDDITCH councillors have criticised plans for the re-development of Church Hill shopping centre calling them “ill thought out” and “dangerous”.

Councillors Robin King and Bill Hartnett said that they are in favour of the re-development but more thought should have gone into the safety aspect of the design.

As part of the plans the bus only lane would be opened up allowing it to be crossed by traffic.

“Although I am in favour and have been for many years the current proposed plan in my opinion is ill thought out and is dangerous,” said coun Hartnett.

“We know only too well the number of accidents and tragic fatalities which have occurred on the bus lane through Church Hill.

“Not only that, the result of crossing the bus lane will result in a rat run linking up north and south Church Hill and acting as a short cut for traffic travelling to and from Birmingham.”

Coun Hartnett and coun King were invited by council officers to view and to comment on draft plans for the centre.

Council leader Carole Gandy said that ramps either side of the junction with the bus lane would be added as well as speeding signs and what the council is proposing now is safer than original plans put forward.

A decision on the plans, currently on public consultation, will be made at a planning committee meeting on October 3.