Cyclist and business owners were left divided as the first plans to change Enfield Town as part of a cycling scheme were unveiled.

The Dugdale Centre, in London Road, played host to the first public exhibition of the Cycle Enfield scheme, with two option being laid out for the town centre.

This was followed by a public meeting hosted by Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes where tempers flared once more.

Last month, the Enfield Independent revealed the plans for Enfield Town could have no traffic through Church Street, and a return of two-way traffic round Cecil Road.

The first option will see buses going through Church Street along with a separate two-way cycle lane. Loading bays will remain in place of the current car parking spaces.

The second option sees a two way bus lane going through the town centre with a lane for cyclist splitting the bus lanes.

Controversy has shrouded the cycle Enfield campaign which saw £30million pumped into it by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

People were left split once more about the plans and its impact on the historic town centre.

Julia Crown, who cycles to Enfield Town from Barnet every day, said at the exhibition: “The plans look great – it is a nightmare trying to get into Enfield Town at present, there is no room for cyclists.”

Owner of hairdressers Emma Claire, in Church Street, Chris Theoudoulou, said the two options will leave Enfield Town in a “disastrous scenario”.

The business owner of more than 30 years added: “We considered the options for cyclists to go round Cecil Road the best possibility but the council has not considered our thoughts whatsoever.

“The general consensus from traders is that we are not against cycling or cyclist at all but in five years’ time this is going to leave us in a disastrous scenario – look at Broxbourne where they reverted back to cars passing through the town centre.”

Residents are also concerned on two-way traffic heading round Cecil Road for the first time in more than 20 years as part of the plans.

Andrew Gilligan, from the cycling commission, said: "I was quite impressed by the number of people prepared to speak up for the scheme – it was a number of people who were in favour, I think this is a massive opportunity for Enfield. This can bring out the best in Enfield town centre, this could delver the kick start it needs to rejuvenate the town."