The controversial Westgate Towers traffic trial in Canterbury will run its full course after the city council resisted calls for it to be scrapped early.

Members of the executive insisted that only by letting it continue could a proper judgement be made through the data gathered from traffic counts and air pollution readings.

The meeting at the Guildhall on Thursday night was again packed with objectors who claimed the trial was blighting both residents' lives and businesses in the St Dunstan's area.

But while 17 spoke in favour of ditching the 12 month scheme early, 13 spoke for keeping it going. The debate ended with the executive approving the recommendation of the full council to continue it.

Council leader John Gilbey said it had been impossible to get accurate results by computer modelling the new traffic arrangements.

He added: "For too long nothing has been done to help the flow of traffic around Canterbury.

"It has been a very brave decision by the council because had we asked people what they thought first, all we would have got back is 'not in my street'.

He said that only by trialling it and getting all the data could a proper judgement be made.

But the council has conceded that the pedestrian crossings in St Peter's Place and North Lane should be re-instated, although they will not be controlled by lights as before.

See Thursday's Kentish Gazette for the full story.