RESIDENTS and traders have lost their battle over a £500,000 road scheme they fear will drive shops out of business.

Highways chiefs are pressing ahead with plans to move a zebra crossing in Tean, despite protests from business leaders.

Traders are angry 16 metres of parking space, currently used by passing shoppers and up to 35 delivery vehicles per day, will be lost once a new crossing is installed.

Highways engineers at Staffordshire County Council are proposing to move the crossing to a stretch of road outside the post office.

But business leaders and councillors are furious the scheme is going ahead.

Traders met last night to discuss the next step in their battle, while parish councillors are due to meet tonight.

The campaign against moving the crossing has been led by Lynn Plant, who runs Shades Hair Salon, High Street.

She said: "Shops will close, there is no doubt about it. We did our own survey and 90 per cent of motorists said they would not shop in the village if they could not park."

Councillor Steve Buckley, Tean Parish Council chairman, said: "We are disappointed they are going ahead with the plans."

Work, which could start as early as next month and take about 13 weeks to complete, is expected to cause traffic chaos.

Councillor Mike Maryon, county council cabinet member for highways, said the crossing could no longer be legally sited at its present location.