SHOCK plans have been announced to create a new cul-de-sac in Winchester city centre.

The city council proposes to close one end of Middle Brook Street to stop it being used as a rat-run.

It represents a remarkable turnaround for the residents.

At one stage earlier this summer they feared up to 3,000 vehicles a day were set to head past their homes when plans were announced to reverse the flow of traffic on nearby Parchment Street.

Instead their road could soon be turned into a quiet cul-de-sac and be one of the most tranquil streets in the city centre, boosting the value of their homes.

The closure idea was suggested at a meeting on Monday to discuss the impact on Middle Brook Street of changes to traffic flows in that street and nearby Parchment Street.

Earlier this month, the city council agreed to an experimental order for 18 months to reverse the flow of traffic on both roads. That decision followed strong pressure from Middle Brook Street residents who said reversing flows on Parchment Street would create a rat run past their homes.

But on Monday, councillor Richard Knasel, portfolio holder for economy and transport, went even further.

He said he had concerns about keeping Middle Brook Street open even if the flow was reversed. Traffic would head for Winnall by using it as a new short cut rather than going round the one-way system.

Mr Knasel said he proposed a lockable gate at the north end of Middle Brook Street.

Traffic engineer Neville Crisp said the proposal should not increase the traffic on any of neighbouring roads such as Upper Brook Street and Parchment Street.

Mr Crisp said it was the solution that had the "greatest benefit to residents of Parchment Street and Middle Brook Street".

Residents were pleased at the news. Dr Chong-Yee Khoo, of Middle Brook Street, said: "The last few months have been quite stressful for residents. It will be the right thing for the council to do. But we are not out celebrating yet.

"The council should look for ways at improving neighbourhoods rather than shifting the problem from one street to another," referring to the original plan to reverse the flow only on Parchment Street and so create a new rat-run on Middle Brook Street.

Councillor Georgina Busher asked about the difficulties of vehicles in the street. "The proposal seems sensible but if large vehicles find themselves stuck up there how are you going to get them out again?"

Sarah Walker, of Parchment Street, urged the council to hurry up with the experimental orders that would mean an end to the misery caused by traffic to residents in her street.

Mr Knasel said he hoped to bring the proposal to close Middle Brook Street to a Cabinet meeting on September 15.