Public feedback has prompted a change to Bethlehem Town Centre's layout.

The Bethlehem Road entrance to Countdown will now be an exit as well, while the roundabout outside Kmart is being widened to ease congestion.

The new exit will give shoppers three points of departure from the shopping complex.

Shoppers wanting to make a left turn onto Bethlehem Road from the current exit (near Kmart) will also be able to enter their lane quicker as a result of trimming the curb beside the roundabout.

The news will be welcomed by frustrated shoppers, many of whom have expressed dissatisfaction with the layout.

Bethlehem Town Centre Manager Andrew Wadsworth says the changes came about as a result of public consultation.

'We've had a lot of feedback, and we've monitored the situation and taken it on board.

'Originally the exit was closed to ensure traffic circulated around the whole centre. In hindsight, that didn't quite work, but we've listened and we're making the changes now.”

He hopes the new exit will be up and running by next week, and says there should be no more roadworks within the complex for the remainder of the year.