Canterbury City Council leaders have today urged highways bosses to extend the controversial Westgate Towers traffic scheme by another six months.

They have recommended Kent County Council continues the year-long trial - which bans cars from passing through the towers - until September.

The road changes are set to be dismantled early next month and the area restored to its original layout.

City councillors argue the scheme is successful in reducing traffic and pollution in St Dunstan's and protecting the 14th century towers.

The recommendations will be passed to KCC's cabinet member Bryan Sweetland, who will be asked to review the decision to terminate the traffic trial.

The Westgate Towers traffic trial was introduced last March. It bans traffic from passing through the towers and allows only buses and taxis to access St Peter's Place from St Dunstan's Street.

Critics say it has created gridlock on other routes in the area, especially London Road and Station Road West.

But supporters welcome improved air quality and fewer vehicles.

Stagecoach also backed it and says it will have to re-route services into Canterbury along Rheims Way because new rules prevent its buses going through the towers' narrow gateway if they have to pull their wing mirrors in.