NEITHER underpasses nor footbridges are right for Watling Street, says a surprising new report in the row over how people are to cross a stretch of the grid to and from thousands of new homes.

An independent investigation by Milton Keynes Council business partner Mouchel recommends street-level crossings at traffic lights at each of six junctions that will link Watling Street with the huge estates of Milton Keynes West.

The council's cabinet provisionally approved spending £3 million on four footbridges earlier this year. But the decision was referred back to councillors for further consideration, after being called in by campaigners who favour underpasses.

A council policy committee will consider the report when it meets tomorrow.

Mouchel says general policy did not support "standalone" crossings on
national speed limit roads such as Watling Street, and adds: "It is considered that segregation from traffic leads to a feeling of vulnerability and a fear of crime, therefore underpasses are generally not recommended."

The building of footbridges or underpasses would require axing of many matures trees, it says. Footbridges could have a "negative" impact on the appearance of the area and overlook people's homes.

Street-level crossings were the "most appropriate" option.

The council is considering setting up a group to look into the long term future of the grid network.

About a dozen residents – without allegiance to transport-linked organisations locally – would meet to hear evidence from road users before submitting a report to the environment policy development committee.