SOUTHAMPTON traders have been left in limbo after the city's Lib Dem transport boss refused to give them a decision on removing a controversial traffic restriction.

The independent traders claim the ban on turning left into Bedford Place from Cumberland Place has been hitting their trade since it was introduced by councillor Jill Baston in late 2005.

Tories had agreed to remove it before they were ousted from a nine-month spell in office.

Cllr Baston met traders following lobbying from Labour ward councillors John Noon and Sarah Bogle.

She said she was concerned lifting the ban would be dangerous for pedestrians crossing Bedford Place and lead to waiting traffic building up in Cumberland Place.

She told the Daily Echo: "I needed to meet them personally to hear what they had to say. At the moment the decision is simply suspended."

Cllr Baston said she also wanted to see how a revamp of London Road affected traffic flows but pledged to take a decision "later this year".

Bedford Place Trader's Association Graham Penny said: "We were dissapointed a decision wasn't made. We cannot find anyone who supports the left-turn ban.

"We understand councillor Baston feels she has to investigate itfurther.

"It's all very frustrating."

Traders had threatened "to go to war" with Cllr Baston if she decided to keep the restriction in place.

Cllr Baston said she would try to get better signs to direct shoppers to Bedford Place.