PLANS to install three mini-roundabouts along Echo Barn Lane and Shortheath Road has once again ignited controversy. Surrey County Council (SCC) plans to introduce flat roundabouts at the junctions with Manley Bridge Road, Little Green Lane and Green Lane as part of a package of "improvements to improve road safety". But locals have branded the scheme as "ludicrous" and "crazy", claiming that councillors do not listen to the views of local people. The issue is not a new one. In 2004, residents rejected proposals to install 11 mini- roundabouts at junctions along Echo Barn Lane, Shortheath Road and Ridgway Road. The matter reached a head in February of last year, when SCC was forced to bow to public opinion, when their attempts to install the three mini-roundabouts were thwarted by a hastily assembled petition of some 1,219 signatures, which was presented to the council in March. However, this Easter weekend, a leaflet from SCC was delivered to local residents, telling of SCC's intentions. It mentions work which has already been completed, including the zebra crossing on Ridgway Road, improvements of crossing points and the installation of flashing vehicle signs. It also references the prospective installation of the three mini-roundabouts and a double mini-roundabout at the junction of School Hill and Sandrock Hill Road. Following the intervention of an independent engineering consultant to assess the safety of these measures, the leaflet states: "In order to improve safety on this route, SCC therefore recommends that the three single mini- roundabouts are installed." Dr Avril Capper, resident of Echo Barn Lane and compiler of last year's petition, was frank in her views. "After work went ahead without consultation, myself and my husband put the petition together, they reneged and we thought that was the end of it. "In October 2005 a report was commissioned by SCC with the Stilwell Partnership exploring many of the options available. "It said that there were no accidents at the three junctions, and nor were any accidents caused by speeding. "The report examined all the options available, outlining advantages and disadvantages. While it remarked that mini-roundabouts were an option, it claimed they would also prove to be unpopular with residents and that other low- key measures, such as the vehicle activated signs would be more effective. And we have seen that they work," she added. "It describes how mini-roundabouts would generate traffic conflicts, how they are not ideal for cyclists, that the warning signs are visually intrusive, and that noise and pollution levels will increase. "The vast majority of residents don't want mini-roundabouts. They said last year that they didn't want them. I think people are very irritated. Why are we being asked the same question after we have already given a definitive answer?" And Dr Capper was not alone in her disapproval. "I think the whole thing is joke, said pensioner Ralph Giles of Shortheath Road. "There's not been an accident along there that a mini-roundabout would solve. All you have to do is look at the botched job they made of Weydon Lane to stop them from doing anything here." "I think it's appalling that they treat us like this," said Anne Perry, a mother of two asthmatic children. "We all said we didn't want them, and I'm very unamused at the degree of ignorance from the council. This is such a pretty road and to urbanise it further would be a crime." Yet Conservative councillor David Munro spoke in favour of the scheme. "A scheme to improve safety along the whole of the road from the shops at Ridgway Road to the A325 has been on the books for years. "The council had engineers examine the road, and we said we would go back and reconsult with the public. "The report recommends that the mini- roundabouts go in, and I support that. "We are currently in a period of consulting. It's a genuine consultation, but we are recommending that these mini-roundabouts go in, simply becaiuse they will make the road safer. "They will reduce speed along the road and make it safer for pedestrians to cross. "We are not saying it's going to be a magic wand - there will still be problems, but things will be improved," he said. A public meeting regarding this issue will take place on Thursday, May 4, at St Peter's School Hall, Little Green Lane, at 7-30 pm. It will be chaired by Mr Munro with a presentation from SCC engineers and contributions from the public.