A lane closed to traffic nine years ago is set to re-open in an effort to improve transport links to an industrial estate.

Willow Lane, which runs into an industrial estate from Carshalton Road near Mitcham Junction, was closed in 2004 due to safety concerns over two Victorian bridges along the route, which was followed by a long running legal dispute between Merton Council and Network Rail over who was responsible for their maintenance.

Network Rail has now assumed responsibility enabling Merton Council to push forward with plans to re-open and upgrade the route with officers saying the industrial estate’s “poor road connections” have resulted in goods vehicles using “inappropriate routes” and congestion.

A total of 26 traffic signs, as well as structural changes, will be introduced in the lane, which will carry a three tonne, 6ft width vehicle limit to prevent damage to the Victorian bridges, angering members of the Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage group (MCGCH).

Tony Burton, of MCGCH, said: “The visual effect will be quite damaging because instead of a lane that for the past nine or 10 years people have walked down, and which has been taken over by nature, it now has two very abrupt kerbsides.

“It is a sensitive location, which isn’t being treated with the respect that it deserves.”

Councillor Andrew Judge, cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said the road was only ever closed temporarily and is still primarily an access road for businesses in the industrial estate.

He said: “The works that have gone ahead so far are all works that don’t need consultation and they are part of our highway responsibilities. We need a safe road for pedestrians.

“There is a lack of lighting down there and there have been reports of people being attacked so we have to bring it up to standard.”

Coun Judge is expected to make a final decision on the plans within the next week.