Members of the public gave their views on the scheme, part of proposals for a new health centre in the town centre, at a meeting of the local area forum.

Garry Payne, director of planning and regeneration, attended the meeting, along with about 100 local residents, to discuss the plans.

Research carried out by the highways department measured air pollution levels as "critical".

Mr Payne claimed reversing the traffic flow would lead to less congestion and reduce pollution – but residents disagreed.

David Baker, of Mosshouse Road, said: "We have put up with a huge amount of traffic for a number of years.

"I'm not against modernisation, but it's bad now and this could make it a lot worse."

Steve Rolland, of Poulton Residents' Association, dubbed the scheme ludicrous, adding: "Does the highways engineer live here? Has he tried to negotiate these roads? It's all very well having statistics."

John Bailie, of Blackpool Old Road, questioned why the change was even needed if the new centre – planned to be built on the site of St Chad's Church Hall and the local tennis club on Vicarage Road – was to have, as had been claimed, "a minimal impact on traffic".

He said: "We can't see that it will make traffic flow in the town centre better – it's going to compromise safety, increase congestion and pollution. Traders are very concerned."

Trevor Allison, 57, of Haworth Crescent, added: "It's going to create chaos. To swap the one-way system around, it's ridiculous."

Bus companies have also expressed concern about how vehicles will turn if the new one-way system is introduced.

Planning officers have vowed to look into their concerns.

Mr Payne said: "The bus company has been consulted and has expressed some concerns over some of the junctions.

"We have asked the developer to come back with more detail on this and to show buses can turn.

"If they cannot, then we cannot recommend this proposal goes forward."