TRADERS are set to urge their customers to help challenge controversial plans to change the layout of Tean High Street.

Retailers crammed into Shades hairdressing salon on Tuesday to discuss a Staffordshire County Council scheme to improve pedestrian safety.

Campaigners fear the project will remove 16 metres of parking space, currently used by passing shoppers and up to 35 delivery vehicles per day.

It was believed the plans were to go to public consultation, but the Stafford-based authority has now announced the work will begin in January.

Plans for the project will be on show at Greatwood Primary School, in Vicarage Road, next Thursday and Friday.

Lynn Plant, owner of Shades, said: "We need people to go to the exhibition and voice their concerns about these so-called improvements.

"The businesses in the High Street will distribute letters, posters and leaflets outlining the problems because we need the county council to listen before it is too late."

Business leaders joined together to advise the council how the money – received in a planning agreement as part of the Tean Mill renovation – could be better spent.

Plans drawn up by retailers included space for five parked cars, delivery vehicles, upgraded bus stops and improved pedestrian safety.

However, a Section 106 agreement signed with Tean Mill developers Bovale says the money must be spent on improvements for pedestrians, rather than highways.

Mrs Plant added: "Checkley Parish Council has supported our proposals. Moving the zebra crossing would destroy the High Street."