Protesters say the road will cut the value of their homes

Derby City Council has drawn up draft plans for the completion of an inner ring road for the city which it says will cut traffic congestion.

The five-lane stretch in the historic Friar Gate area of the city will run from Osmaston Road to Uttoxeter New Road.

But people living and working in the area have begun a petition opposing the planned road saying they have not been properly consulted.

Derby City Council said the plan has the support of a steering group made up of interested parties including businesses and environmental groups.

Road rage There are a lot of important buildings around here I don't see how putting a new ring road through is going to protect that Zoe Astbury, protester

The proposal will mean a few buildings on the edge of the conservation area will be knocked down.

The protesters have demonstrated outside council offices objecting to the road.

Protester Zoe Astbury said: "As a householder I object to the points of increased air and noise pollution which are already a problem from roads.

"Also it is going to lower the value of our houses and historically this is supposed to be a conservation area.

"There are a lot of important buildings around here - I don't see how putting a new ring road through is going to protect that."

It is the third phase of the �22m government-funded Connecting Derby scheme.

A council spokesman said: "These proposals will take us a step nearer our goal of cutting city centre through-traffic, with its inherent problems of pollution and congestion.

"The completion of the inner ring road is long overdue and we are committed to finishing this important project as soon as possible."

Work is due to begin on the road next year.