The results are back from Helston’s controversial traffic trial involving and the decision has been made: do nothing.

Back in the summer Cornwall Council introduced temporary changes to the flow of traffic into and from Penzance Road, via St John’s Bridge.

Designed to test how such changes would affect the volume and speed of traffic in Cross Street, the trial was meant to last six weeks but in fact ended two weeks early, unexpectedly and without warning.

It was then announced that all the data collected would be reviewed, before a decision was reached over how to proceed.

Announcing Cornwall Council’s decision now, one of its councillor representatives in Helston, Mike Thomas, said: “The plan for Cross Street is to do nothing.

“Having said that, I witnessed amazingly bad behaviour by drivers. I can understand how residents feel. But I don’t think the solutions are easy to come across.”

Mr Thomas told Helston Town Council, of which he is also a member, that in his opinion “some basic things” such as reducing the speed limit to 20mph and even adding some traffic bollards should be looked at.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said the results of the trial were discussed with the town's Cornwall councillors and town clerk Chris Dawson in September.

She said: "While the trial reduced traffic on Cross Street, there was a significant increase of traffic on neighbouring streets as well as anecdotal evidence of safety issues such cars overrunning footways. In light of this feedback, it was agreed with the local members that the trial scheme would not be permanently implemented.

"Cornwall Council will continue to work with the town council, businesses and local residents to address traffic issues in Helston.

"To make sure we tackle this holistically, we also need to consider air quality, accessibility to public transport and ways to encourage walking and cycling. One way we are doing this is by looking at the feasibility of a town-wide network of walking and cycling routes."