Ambulance service chiefs are launching an urgent review into the impact of a low traffic neighbourhood scheme amid fears paramedics may have been delayed in getting to patients.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) say there have been a 'number of delays' due to Stockport Council's 'Active Neighbourhood' scheme.
The trial scheme, launched in the Heaton Chapel area of Greater Manchester in September, has seen roads blocked off with traffic-calming flower beds in a bid to reduce traffic.
But ambulance service chiefs say paramedics have had to 'navigate around' the road closures.
Astonishing CCTV, flagged to council chiefs by concerned residents, appears to show ambulances on blue lights have to u-turn in the road due to the planters.
Council bosses say all emergency services were consulted before the three month trial, which is due to end next month.
However they are now 'urgently awaiting' the findings of a review by NWAS who said in a statement: 'The trust has looked into some of the incidents reported by residents and found that there were a number of delays, as some ambulances had to navigate around the road closures.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) say there have been a 'number of delays' due to Stockport Council's 'Active Neighbourhood' scheme (pictured)
Ambulance service bosses say paramedics have had to 'navigate around' the road closures. Astonishing CCTV (pictured), flagged to council chiefs by concerned residents, appears to show ambulances on blue lights have to u-turn in the road due to the planters.
'As a result, we are now undertaking an investigation into all incidents reported to us and will be consulting with the council. We are also reiterating to staff the importance of our reporting systems to identify these types of issues.'
The review comes after residents flagged CCTV of ambulances appearing to do u-turns when confronted by traffic-calming planters in Heaton Chapel.
Footage appears to show several ambulances with blue lights flashing being forced to turn around since it began on September 10.
Locals say they have had to give directions to confused emergency service workers who have come up against the roadblocks.
The review comes after residents flagged CCTV of ambulances appearing to do u-turns when confronted by traffic-calming planters in Heaton Chapel
Outraged locals repeatedly highlighted the issue to the council, saying the 'overkill' planters cause emergency vehicles up to four minutes' delay and ultimately could cost lives.
Council transport chiefs had firmly rebuked the idea of the planters causing ambulance delays and branded the claims 'misinformation' in a letter sent to residents on September 28.
However NWAS have since investigated the incidents caught on camera and claim there have indeed been 'a number of delays as some ambulances had to navigate around the road closures'.
Stockport Council said the safety of residents is 'of paramount importance' and are looking into the situation, while the 'trial' scheme remains in place until early December before a consultation takes place next year.
Resident Alison Stafford-Bentley said she 'feels sorry' for paramedics caught out by the roadblockers and admits she was annoyed by the 'misinformation' letter as she claims to have seen the issue first-hand.
Alison, 55, said: '[Head of Highways and Transportation of Stockport Council] Sue Stevenson sent out this letter saying that the ambulance delays were "misinformation". I
