Residents have won a battle to stop a key town centre road becoming one way.

Councillors voted against the proposal for Market Street in Sandwich after a survey found it could cause dangers.

But they agreed to go ahead with the second part of the scheme, to close Potter Street to regular traffic.

Officials, following safety audits, had concluded that making Market Street one way would result in larger vehicles using The Butchery, causing a risk of pedestrians and buildings being struck.

It would also mean too much traffic on The Butcher, adding to hazards for pedestrians.

Town councillor Paul Carter told a Dover Joint Transportation Board meeting last Thursday : "This is the best compromise.

"Sandwich is a medieval town and the pavements are so narrow.

"We need to protect buildings and people."

Kent County Council had proposed changing Market Street from two way to improve traffic flow.

It also believed this would improve pedestrian safety and protect historic buildings.

But nearly six out of 10 respondents in a public consultation said no, arguing that the two way system kept speeds down.

It was also argued that as large vehicles cannot exit back out of Market Street they would use The Butchery, which is too narrow.

Sandwich division county councillor Sue Chandler proposed keeping Market Street two way but closing Potter Street for a trial period.

She said: "It can be for up to 18 months and it can be taken away at any time if it's not working.

"The public consultation for this can take place during those 18 months."

Councillors also agreed to this trial period.

Potter Street would be closed to traffic but with mobility scooters exempt.

Removable bollards was also be used to continue allowing in emergency vehicles an those for utility works.

The traffic auditors had also feared that making Market Street one way could lead to an increase in vehicle entry speeds to The Butchery.

They recommended that it should not be allowed.