THE North Circular may be widened to become an "urban motorway" after an extraordinary U-turn by Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone.

The move to extend the stretch between Bounds Green and Palmers Green to three lanes in both directions has been welcomed by Haringey Council, Barbara Roche MP and residents' groups, who have been pushing for the extensive proposals, which could cost in excess of £250million.

The surprise decision was taken by Ken Livingstone on Thursday at a meeting organised by Deputy Mayor of London and Greater London Authority representative for Haringey, Nicky Gavron.

Mr Livingstone said: "I will be asking the Government to provide the money needed to widen the road and, in the meantime, I have asked Transport for London (TfL) to work with the local boroughs on immediate measures to improve the conditions on neighbouring residential streets."

Representatives of Haringey, Barnet and Enfield councils were in attendance at the meeting. Cllr George Meehan, leader of the council, was pleased at the U-turn and also expressed his pleasure that funding will be made available to ease rat-running in the period before the widening takes place.

He said: "The meeting with the Mayor was constructive and this funding will mean considerable improvements for those who are affected by rat-running traffic off the A406 in the Bounds Green, Alexandra, Woodside and Fortis Green wards."

People living in roads bordering the North Circular are also delighted the widening scheme has been given Mr Livingstone's blessing.

Kevin Tipple of the Bowes Park Residents' Association said: "We welcome the news. What we need now is a co-ordinated approach so the funding goes where it's most needed.

"We would like to thank Nicky Gavron and MPs Barbara Roche and Stephen Twigg for supporting residents in the area and their efforts in bringing about this change."

Ms Gavron said: "This is the breakthrough I have been working towards for the last year. It gives us an opportunity both to relieve congestion and to dramatically improve bus services on north London's most important route."

A spokeswoman for Hornsey and Wood Green MP Barbara Roche said Ms Roche was "very pleased" with the developments and is now hopeful the money will be properly allocated in the best way for residents living near the A406.

However, members of the Green Party on the GLA believe measures aimed at reducing traffic across London should be put in place instead of simply widening the road.

A spokesman said: "We don't feel this is value for money and also, after the widening, more cars will start using the road. It will fill up again and the communities around the road will have the same problem of rat running."

The mayor will ask for more money in his submission to the Government's 2004 spending review and, if all goes according to plan, the improvements are expected to be finished by 2010.

May 29, 2003 11:30