Stratford Town councillor, Clive Thomas, (Avenue & Newtown) said: “Once again the county council has not listened to the public’s representatives. The Birmingham Road study showed that the public were clearly against another set of traffic lights interrupting the traffic flow.

“At the meeting at which this was discussed the local councillors strongly opposed the lights, especially since they are so close to the Arden Street lights.

“Unfortunately this was over-ridden by the Conservative portfolio holder from Rugby, who imposed a solution that I believe is second best. A ‘left turn only’ would have been easier and allowed better traffic flow.”

Frustratingly for motorists, developers Redrow - who are paying for the lights - have been forced to apply again for planning permission on the Cattle Market site, so there is no guarantee that the homes these traffic lights are being put in for will even be built.

Cllr Thomas said: “The Birmingham Road is now very close to complete gridlock. I would urge the county council to think again.”

Cllr Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways, said: “The decision to approve the traffic signals has been a difficult one
because we are aware that local residents and businesses are concerned that traffic congestion on Birmingham Road is getting worse."