FEARS that beer couldn’t be delivered to a village pub has led more than 100 people to sign a petition.

A Herts Highways proposal to stop vehicles turning left on a Welwyn road would cause several problems for The White Horse pub... including preventing a brewery delivery lorry being able to access the Mill Lane tavern.

Adam Richardson, director of the 17th century inn, wrote a letter to the county council complaining of the proposed access from Church Road to narrow Mill Lane.

It said: “The Carlsberg delivery drivers have expressed concern about this.

“They say they need to turn left into Mill Lane because it is the only way they can get to The White Horse.

“The lorry cannot get round the sharp bend in Prospect Place, and turning right into Mill Lane isn’t possible due to the proximity of buildings in Church Street.

“The only solution would be to carry all deliveries down the road, which would cause traffic disruption.”

The no left turn is set to be implemented as part of the Welwyn Parish Plan at tomorrow (Thursday) night’s meeting of the Welwyn Hatfield Highways Joint Members’ Panel.

If brought in, Mill Lane would no longer be a rat run for commuters trying to avoid the village high street in the morning rush hour.

However, Mr Richardson said the proposal would not only prevent the lorries, but also slow trade in his pub and delay emergency services.

Mr Richardson, who got the petition entitled ‘This pub is not for turning’ signed by 109 people, added he didn’t “believe the no left turn will increase road safety” and suggested three possible other options – imposing a 15mph speed limit, installing speed bumps or creating an ‘access only’ entrance, which would mean motorists cannot use it as a through route, but residents and businesses could.

The plans, which have been set up by Herts Highways and the parish council, also feature installing a mini-roundabout where High Street meets London Road and School Lane, as well as reducing parking on corners – something which has met with a sharp reaction from residents.

The meeting takes place in the council chamber at Campus West, in WGC, at 7.30pm.