Despite proving the most popular choice – attracting 45% of the vote – the option was dismissed after residents, taxi drivers and traders objected.

Instead, the council agreed to restrict Ship Street to southbound traffic – an option not put to the public.

Following complaints from residents, ward councillors, cycle groups and the bus company, the move was put to a council scrutiny committee and it decided to press ahead with the change.

Mr French said: “It is hugely disappointing the council is going ahead.

“One of the objectives of the scheme was to remove rat-running from the area.

“This will still allow people to rat run from the station to the seafront.

“With the raised pavement, pedestrians could be caught out by vehicles coming down from behind them.

“We were happy for the road width to be narrowed and the pavement widened on the grounds that traffic is limited in the street.

“I believe the scheme is now undermined. We are not happy about the road narrowing and pavement widening when traffic will still be able to use the street as a cut through.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The scheme, which has been drawn up after consultation, will help reduce congestion and make the Ship Street area pedestrian friendly with wider pavements and simplified crossings.

“On completion, the scheme will be closely monitored and any safety issues addressed.”