The public consultation on the controversial mini Holland cycling scheme in Walthamstow ends today, with opinions still firmly split on the proposal.

The £30million scheme is aimed at improving safety for cyclists, but the one planned for the village area has proved particularly divisive.

A trial run earlier this year saw one-way restrictions in some roads and others sections blocked to traffic altogether.

Some people were heavily critical saying people were not consulted properly and the scheme led to increased congestion and hit businesses.

Others welcomed the scheme, saying it was essential to improve safety and protect the environment.  

Last week, residents held a meeting to discuss the proposal and presented an alternative plan, which they say would improve the scheme, and called for greater consultation.

But Cllr Clyde Loakes, cabinet member for Environment, said the council had fulfilled its duty.

He said: “We value the views of our residents and have been consulting on the Walthamstow Village element of the Mini Holland scheme for almost three months.

“We’ve talked to as many local businesses and residents as possible and have encouraged people to have their say at every opportunity.

“We are confident that the scheme itself and the debate surrounding it have been highly publicised and that people have been given good opportunities to share their views. At our last count we had received more than 3,000 responses across this period.

“As such, the consultation will close as planned today.”

The mini Holland scheme will be implemented on major routes through the borough next year.