ANGRY retailers hit out at town councillors saying the one way system in Princes Risborough has 'crucified trade' in the centre.

At a meeting last night traders from the town centre met Princes Risborough Town councillors to vent their disappointment at the one way system, which was introduced in November.

More than 60 people packed the hall at the Baptist Church in Bell Street with some retailers saying since the system came into place trade was dead after 3.30pm.

Bob Clark, owner of Birtchnells, said: “The council, by their actions have crucified trade in the peak period of the year and inflicted a very severe blow on the retailers of the town.

“As I have been in business for a long time I think I will survive, however I can see a number of outlets who are in their infancy crumbling in a very short time and as a result Princes Risborough will become a ghost town.”

The one way system runs from the Duke Street roundabout through the High Street to Horns Lane with bikes able to go in both directions.

Concerns were raised about congestion at peak times in the High Street as cars try to join Horns Lane.

Some shop workers said the pedestrian crossing timing by Marks and Spencer had been altered so it took too long to change for people to cross.

Chairman of the town council Alan Turner said the council implemented the one way system as the public kept asking for it.

He said they held public consultations where every one was welcome to attend. He added they also held a referendum where leaflets were delivered to every resident in the town who is on the electoral roll, although some residents attending the meeting said they never received this.

Cllr Turner added: “We have gone way beyond what is normally expected from a parish council regarding public consultation.

“We really did try. We had one person who strongly objected to the one way system.”

Cllr Turner then said when the South Bucks Hospice shop opened in the High Street a few weeks ago the town was “heaving” and the shop owner had told him it was doing really well. He said: “Don't paint too bleak a picture.”

This prompted muttering and protestation from the retailers with Rebecca Hill, owner of the hair and beauty salon in Market Square, saying workers are there for 60 hours a week and they see what it is really like and not just at certain times at the weekend.

Bob Aldridge from Alternative Tools said when a trial was suggested he expected a couple of oil cans filled with concrete with some signs on it.

The 18 month trial in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council is costing £60,000.

Cllr Turner said the council will now take on board all their views followed by a meeting with BCC to discuss the information they have gathered.

He said he will keep the retailers updated on any developments.