Ref. 25639-17A GORSE Hill butcher has blamed a set of "hated" traffic lights for driving him out of business.

Stuart Henderson, who owns the butcher's shop in Cricklade Road, shut his doors for the last time yesterday.

Mr Henderson, who opened for business two-and-a-half years ago, said his takings had halved since traffic lights and a new junction were installed in December.

The lights have slowed traffic down so much that many drivers now avoid the road altogether.

"There's no passing trade and it's entirely the fault of this hated traffic system," he said.

Thamesdown Transport's decision to re-route buses 10 and 11 so they no longer stop in Gorse Hill has made things even harder.

"Every 15 minutes people used to get off the buses here and that was good for business," said Mr Henderson. "Now it's just quiet."

The 44-year-old butcher, who lives in Rodbourne Cheney, said he first considered closing about a month ago, but only made the final decision this week.

"I can't see how business can get any better if there's no one here," he said, pointing to the empty street outside. "And I can't carry on if I'm not earning a living."

Local shoppers, who have already seen two other stores close in Cricklade Road since Christmas, were saddened by the news.

"People will miss him he is very popular in the community," said Graham Potter, 68, of Cairndow Way.

Pensioner Joan Houston, of Upper Stratton, said: "Now we'll have to buy whatever the supermarkets want us to buy."

Other traders were also saddened by Mr Henderson's decision.

"It's tragic," said Kate Hurst of George Lesley Flowers who reckons her trade has fallen by two thirds. "There are very few independent butchers left.

"Before the traffic lights were installed Gorse Hill was Swindon's second biggest shopping area,

"First we had crossroads, then a mini roundabout, then two mini -roundabouts, then the speed table, and now these traffic lights."

Kerin Byrne, manager of Hall's Bakery, said her takings had fallen by a quarter.

"If the traffic lights stay the area will die. All that will be left are the takeaways and pubs," she said.

In April Gorse Hill traders presented a petition of more than 2,400 signatures to North Swindon MP Michael Wills, protesting against the traffic lights. At the time Mr Wills promised to write to everyone who signed the petition but it is understood many are still waiting.

Local councillors are minded to keep the junction as it is unless traders can provide better proof that the new traffic lights are to blame for the drop in trade.

Councillor Maurice Fanning (Lab) said the new junction had made the area much safer for pedestrians.

"Before the lights were introduced it was the most dangerous junction in town now it's one of the safest," he said. "And if you count the number of traditional butchers in this town it's small wonder that pressures on Mr Henderson's outlet were such that he couldn't sustain it."

On July 29 traders are meeting Mr Maurice and other councillors to try once more to get rid of the lights.

But even if they succeed, it will be too late for Mr Henderson. Having worked as a butcher for 31 years, he is now looking for another job.