IT was a row that showed no sign of abating.

But now it seems the war is over.

Plans to install speed humps on Birchdale Road in Paddington have been abandoned.

The controversy started when, following a borough council consultation with residents that revealed most were in favour of the scheme, one resident challenged the outcome and ran his own poll.

He claimed it revealed that there were more residents opposed to the proposals than in favour of them.

But residents of Birchdale Road maintained that, unless the speed humps were installed, it was only a matter of time before an accident happened.

They say that drivers who wish to avoid the inconvenience of traffic lights on Manchester Road frequently use the road as a rat run.

But other residents, albeit from surrounding streets, claimed that there was only ever a small stream of traffic on the road.

Now, after council officers polled residents living in and around the area for a final time, the plan has been abandoned after 300 residents voted against it and 120 supported it.

Rumours that those who voted against the scheme signed a petition for more than one person per household are, as yet unfounded.

But the decision leaves a bad taste in the mouth of those who live on Birchdale Road.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "The people who were opposed to the scheme don't live on Birchdale Road, they live on the surrounding roads where they aren't bothered by the traffic. No one who lives on Birchdale opposed it because they know how bad it is. It's just an accident waiting to happen, especially when Bruche primary finishes for the day."