REVISED plans for a new zebra crossing in one of Witney’s busiest streets are set to be approved.

Oxfordshire County Council now wants to put the Bridge Street crossing at the road’s southwest end before the Mill Street mini roundabout.

It would originally have gone near the centre of the street, but the council said concerns from local people had prompted it to reconsider.

They said it would reduce space for evening and weekend parking and worsen air quality because it would cause more traffic hold-ups.

The new location already has a small traffic island and the county council held a consultation on the change in July.

Of 34 responses, it said there were 18 letters of support and 13 objections.

The revised scheme has been backed by Witney Town Council and West Oxfordshire District Council, although the district council said it could slow traffic flows.

In a report Mark Kemp, county council deputy director for environment and economy, said: “The revised location enhances an existing informal crossing rather than providing a completely new one, but has no effect on parking and should have less impact on air quality.

“On balance it is considered that the revised location will better meet the overall needs of the area.”

But there were concerns raised by businesses in Bridge Street during the consultation.

One office worker wrote: “It is the other end of Bridge Street that needs a crossing by The Old Court Inn.

“This is where most people cross and it has no island to help.”

County council cabinet member for environment David Nimmo Smith will consider the proposal at a meeting next Thursday at County Hall, New Road, Oxford, at 10am.