PROPOSALS to install measures to calm traffic in a York suburb have had just the opposite effect on some residents.

Homeowners in Main Street, Fulford, are angry that City of York Council is considering restricting parking on parts of the road. But the council has assured them that a final decision on the scheme has yet to be taken, and that their views will be taken into consideration.

According to a leaflet distributed to residents, the council is proposing to add two new pedestrian crossings - and two new no-parking zones around them - in Main Street.

Residents welcomed moves to make crossing the busy road easier, but said the position of the crossings, just outside houses, would make parking much more difficult, and urged the council to think again about their locations.

Caroline Boom, who lives in Main Street and is one of dozens of residents who could be affected, said: "To take away the only place the Fulford Main Street residents have to park will cause a great deal of stress and hardship.

"This means the elderly, the infirm and people with young babies are expected to park in the side streets off the road.

"And what about their safety at night or in bad weather - having to trail perhaps half-a-mile back to their homes?

"The side streets off Main Street are already full of the cars of the residents of the cottages of those streets.

"The scenario of all the extra cars chasing down these streets to steal parking places from other people is quite horrendous."

Linda Buckley, who lives and runs a shop in the street, said: "We feel very disheartened by these new proposals, as our community, our livelihoods and our homes are at risk.

"My own son has got impaired mobility, and his needs should be accounted for by not having the access to his home taken away."

A council spokeswoman said: "We have been asking for the views of local residents, and the consultation period has only just ended. We can assure people that their concerns will be taken into consideration.

"We are just looking at different options and no decisions have yet been taken. If there are concerns they will be taken on board."

The results of the council's consultation will be presented to members of the Eastern Area Transport and Planning Sub-Committee on Thursday, November 11.

Updated: 09:52 Wednesday, October 27, 2004