PEOPLE power paid off in Birkenhead when residents in the North End blocked off their street to convince the council to help solve their traffic problems.

Residents of Buccleuch Street had made barricades of wheelie bins to protest against the excess traffic caused by other road closures.

Protester Christine Woodward said: "The situation had become unbearable. For 12 months now we have had to endure heavy goods vehicles, dumper trucks and all kinds of works traffic. Now the council have closed off Bidston Approach and the roads have become so congested and traffic was cutting through Buccleuch Street.

"Most drivers completely ignore the speed ramps. Our concern is that this traffic is a major hazard for our children who are playing on their bikes."

A group of residents decided that they had had enough of the situation last week and blocked the road with their wheelie bins, refusing to let traffic by. Eventually the police were called and moved the protesters on, telling them that they would be arrested if they continued to block the road.

Protesters have now been told that the council will put in signs at the start of the road warning drivers that the road is for residents' use only.

Said Mrs Woodward: "We are delighted that the council have decided to put the signs up. It is a great victory and hopefully will stop the traffic now."

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