A 'rat run' in Isleworth is soon to be closed for good.

The controversial trial closure of Church Street in Isleworth is to be made permanent following a 16-month trial.

Hounslow Council has now decided to make the change for good, closing the road to through-traffic, removing thousands of vehicles from using it.

The council says that the move will improve air quality, with a 10% reduction in pollution in Twickenham Road, according to the results of a comprehensive monitoring programme.

There has been mass opposition to the closure from residents who said the it led to more congestion and pollution on surrounding streets, particularly Twickenham Road - contrary to the council's claim it would be reduced.

In 2015, a petition was signed by around 1,800 people against the plan.

In response to the permanent closure, Arthur Gray, of Crane Avenue, said: "The Church Street road closure has been one of the most heated debates for the past two years when the closure was introduced.

"We have had many arguments, which has effected businesses, schools in the local community.

"Very heavy traffic causing tailbacks from the A316 Twickenham Road, London Road Roundabout.

The point in Church Street, Isleworth, where the road is set to be closed (Google Street View)

"And then make congestion on the A4 at Gillette Corner coming towards Isleworth.

"And now people are avoiding the Twickenham Road by coming through Worple Road Estate as a cut through. And the heavy traffic is more than normal.

"It has hit some businesses so much that they are moving from the area, another blow for local employment."

He continued: "At the height of the rush hour each day, my journey took nearly an hour to get from the A4 to my home on the Worple Road Estate, which is a few minutes from the road closure with vehicles using our estate as a rat run."

However the council says it has taken the issues raised by residents on board, including the impact on trade for businesses in the area. Road safety concerns proved unfounded, which the council put down to no change in the number of collisions in the area.

Critics say closing Church Street will exacerbate traffic in nearby Twickenham Road, shown here

But overwhelming support from residents and environmental charities, keen to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians using the route, has led to its final decision for permanent closure.

Overall traffic levels on other local roads are broadly stable, Hounslow Council said, and the quality of the riverside conservation area is better with space for community events to take place next to the river.

Councillor Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council, said: “This was always going to be a difficult and contentious decision. On balance though, I believe the one we have made is right going forward.

Congestion in Church Street, Isleworth

“I would like to thank everyone, from residents and local businesses to all those in the community for or against the closure, who gave us their feedback and were involved in the trial and consultation period.

“Those against the closure can be assured that the concerns that did come up will still be looked at and we still welcome feedback so we can continue to monitor any issue that may arise once the permanent closure is in force.”

The permanent closure has been backed by Transport for London (TfL), cycling organisations and rambler groups.

Church Street, Isleworth

TfL said the closure will allow for a safe cycling ‘quietway’ route between Twickenham and Brentford and has enhanced the Thames Path.

The council and TfL will work together to make further improvements to Twickenham Road and surrounding streets, as well as introduce schemes to reduce delays for buses.

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