Protesters will try to block plans to make a busy Walsall stretch one-way when work on the town’s £16 million ring road gets under way.

Part of Pleck Road, in Walsall, will be shut to motorists travelling from the town towards Darlaston Road and Wednesbury Road for a year from January 7.

The closure has sparked fears of traffic chaos and residents will gather in Alumwell on January 3 to protest at the plans.

The meeting has been organised by Pleck councillor Dennis Anson. He said: “We have to have this one-way system, but we are concerned about the amount of traffic that will be involved.

“People on Scarborough Road and Ida Road have grave concerns about their streets becoming rat runs. A council officer will be attending to speak to them about the plans.”

The meeting will be held at Alumwell Community Trust, Pleck Road, at 7pm on January 3. Motorists travelling towards the town centre will be unaffected. Walsall Council has said the closure is unavoidable and diversions will be in place.