His decision came at a meeting of the committee in charge of Ripon's new traffic system and will anger the growing number of residents demanding Borrage Lane is opened up to ease the current congestion.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday at the town hall, saw Ripon City Councillor Jeremy Banyard describe the opening of Borrage Lane to traffic as "a citywide demand."

Richard Fieldman, who was at the meeting to represent the interests of the city's taxi drivers also called for the lane to be opened up.

"Why not open it up as a two way road for the duration of this situation?" he asked.

However, county Highways chief, Colin Jackson, said: "I don't particularly want to open up Borrage Lane but if that's what is demanded then we will do it."

Mr Jackson did not give a date when the road could be opened despite the county council putting a traffic order in place last week reserving the right to open Borrage Lane.