The villages of Niton and Whitwell will die if plans to install traffic lights get the go-ahead, according to concerned residents.

The Isle of Wight Council is looking at ways to improve road links between Ventnor and Niton and how it can deal with the impact of the landslip at Undercliff.

The local authority says its recognises that maintaining a traffic route has benefits for properties and businesses, as well as tourists and tourist attractions.

Part of the study suggests installing new junctions with traffic lights in Niton and Whitwell to help large vehicles move around more easily.

But it could mean limited parking and there are concerns that would stop motorists from going into town.

Maureen Griffith who lives in Whitwell told Isle of Wight Radio: "It will kill the shops. I mean it's happened at Whitwell, they killed our shop by putting double yellow lines. There's nothing at Whitwell apart from a church and a church hall.

"People from Chale come over to Niton, people from the Undercliff come to Niton, I know people from Whitwell that come to Niton. If they know they've got to come through two sets of traffic lights, they won't go there, they'll go to Ventnor."

Meanwhile, Roger Barclay who co-owns Niton Post Office told Isle of Wight Radio: "It would affect our business a lot; the villages of Whitwell and Chale, both of their post offices have closed. This post office is servicing three villages, people come through and park to get their pensions or whatever.

"They won't do that, will they? They'll go to Godshill or Newport or anywhere where you can park so it'll affect all the businesses in Niton to a large extent - it'll close them down, perhaps."

Peter Hayward, Isle of Wight Head of Highways and Transport said: "It is important to note that no decisions have been made regarding proposed schemes to retain and improve transport links between Ventnor and Niton and that traffic lights in Niton are just one of a number of options being considered.

"An exhibition at Ventnor Botanic Garden during February detailing the options was well attended, with hundreds of people visiting and providing feedback on the scheme.

"In order to provide residents with more time to submit their views, we have extended the consultation period until 5pm on Friday 5 March 2010. Although the exhibition has now closed, information about the proposed options and a feedback form can be found at www.iwight.com

"All comments received will form part of the final report that will be presented to the council's cabinet in due course."

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