ALMOST 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for the St Mary's roundabout scheme to be scrapped — seven days before work is due to start.

The petition, launched just four days ago by Michael Smith, already has more than 1,800 signatures.

It calls for the controversial scheme to be stopped before it has even started — 'to send a clear message to the Isle of Wight Council.'

Mr Smith said: "Given the scale of the infrastructure and impact on the local community, businesses on the industrial estate and in the town will suffer for months.

"It will affect residents, anyone coming into Newport and commuters, who will have to put up with unacceptable levels of congestion.

"By signing this petition, you will help Newport Parish Council and give a clear sign it's the wrong scheme at the wrong time.

"It would be good if the Council would hold a public meeting, not a private one, so residents knew all the information."

The scheme, which is expected to take 15 months to complete, will see the roundabout ripped up and replaced with traffic light-controlled junctions.

The Isle of Wight Council said the scheme would 'future proof' the busy junction, reducing traffic congestion in Newport.

Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council has called for the scheme to be halted, at least until the traffic problems at Coppins Bridge are addressed, and an extraordinary full council meeting is due to take place on Wednesday to discuss the issues.

Read more: Extraordinary meeting called after Isle of Wight Councillors call for St Mary's Roundabout works to be halted

Read more: Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council calls on Isle of Wight Council to immediately halt St Mary's Roundabout scheme

Read more: Dates for St Mary's Roundabout roadworks announced — Isle of Wight Council warns people to prepare for 15 months of disruption

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