Councillors were ‘furious’ by plans to open a pedestrian access to all vehicles at a retail park.

Liberal Democrat county councillor for Central Watford Stephen Giles-Medhurst says he received an email from the managing agents of Water fields Retail Park.

The email outlined plans to open the current emergency access by New Road - which is a pedestrian only access - to all traffic from November 2 for a trial period of six months.

Cllr Medhurst was incensed as he felt the email implied the county council had agreed without people being consulted.

He said: "I was furious. Not only had I or residents not been consulted but I was sure this would lead to extra traffic through Watford Fields and Lower High Street. In addition this area is a well-used pedestrian walk way through from the Town Centre shops.

“It is clear that a new planning permission and a traffic impact assessment would be needed before this could go ahead."

Borough councillor Aga Dychton added: "We hope this crazy idea that would lead to extra rat running traffic and affect pedestrian safety has been stopped dead.

“If it comes up again we will alongside local residents fighting against it."

However, Hertfordshire County Council has said they see “no justification for opening up a new access”.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “There is already pedestrian access to Waterfields Retail Park in Watford from New Road and Lower High Street.

“There are no plans at present to provide vehicle access except for emergency vehicles.”