A group of angry Richmond traders have been given hope by the borough's transport chief after he said he might revise his decision to move a controversial bus lane and narrow traffic lanes outside their shops.

Kew Road businesses were upset when Councillor David Trigg, Richmond Council cabinet member for transport , decided to modify the bus lane to accommodate kerb side parking, with six new bays.

Traders claimed the move would be a blow to their businesses.

They feared heavy traffic congestion backing up to Kew Circus, caused by buses stopping to pick up passengers, would put off shoppers.

They also claimed Coun Trigg passed the plans despite strong opposition at a council transport consultative group meeting late last month.

Two members of the group, Coun James Mumford and Coun Martin Seymour, have called for the decision to be looked at by the council's environment overview and scrutiny committee and Coun Trigg can either replicate the committee's view, partially accept them or ignore them.

Coun Trigg said: "I'm a listening person and I think it would be very surprising if I ignored everything they said."

Traders claim the changes would result in less parking space overall and fewer spaces in the evening, which would affect restaurateurs.

Roland Goslett, one of the group, called for Coun Trigg to talk to them about the contentious decision and said the unanimous opposition to it meant it should be changed.

Coun Trigg said he did not want to pre-judge the committee meeting but made his decision after listening to all representations.

"The problem is we are trying to fit a quart into a pint pot," he said.

"We are an old city with a large amount of traffic and we have to compromise."