Cycle Enfield has received a 60 per cent backing from the public for its Green Lanes plan, despite fervent opposition.

According to Enfield council figures, the £42million scheme received full support from 51 per cent of the 1,646 people it consulted and nine per cent partial support.

The statistics claim 40 per cent of people are opposed to the scheme which will see cycle lanes introduced into Palmers Green and Winchmore Hill high streets.

Speaking to the Enfield Independent, Councillor Daniel Anderson, cabinet member for environment said the council is listening to opposition.

He said: “I have said time and time again we are listening to all views on this before making the final plans.

“We are pleased there has been an overall support for the scheme. That support has not just come from cyclist but from people that want to improve our area.”

However, results have been greeted with scepticism from those opposing the scheme.

Campaigners’ part of Save Our Green Lanes group and Enfield Transport Users Group believe the scheme will have an adverse effect on businesses and residents.

John Jewson, ETUG said: “We are extremely concerned that the council has apparently received a majority of votes in favour of the Cycle Enfield proposals for the A105.

“Even Transport for London themselves have admitted that these changes are likely to seriously affect bus services and lead to greatly increased congestion.”

He added: “This scheme benefits a very small minority of road users – just 5 per cent of people even if the council’s cycling ambitions are achieved – at the cost of worsening bus services for the far higher proportions of older, frail and disabled people whose travel will be worsened by these changes.

“This is not the approach that should be adopted in a borough in which the numbers both of people reliant on public transport and older people are growing.”

Yet Cllr Anderson believes this is a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to transform Enfield and improve worrying air pollution and obesity figures.

He said: “This is not a referendum, this scheme is going ahead. But we need to work with everyone to come up with a fantastic cycling project.”

In response to concerns the scheme could be shelved as part of Chancellor George Osborne’s austerity cuts, Cllr Anderson refuted claims the £30million allocated from Boris Johnson is under threat.

He said: “That money has been signed and sealed so I am not worried about Cycle Enfield falling under those cuts.

“The money has been delivered by the Mayor of London and not the chancellor.”

Criticising the figures, Enfield Southgate MP said: “The Council's consultation along Palmers Green and Winchmore Hill has led to less than 1000 people supporting the plans.

“It is not a mandate for giving a green light to spending over £30 million of taxpayers money on this scheme.

“Rather than rush approval the Council should be carefully considering the responses. I am sending out my referendum this month which will provide a greater opportunity for the public to have their say.”