The plans, which would see the island removed and all three junctions – Bank Road, Causeway Lane and Bakewell Road – controlled by traffic lights, have been described as car friendly and ignoring the needs of pedestrians.

Other changes set to be brought in include replacing the crown with a new area of Tarmac, widening roads on Causeway Lane and Bank Road and removing some short-stay on-street parking. The scheme will also see the bridge stay one-way.

Matlock Civic Association secretary Ken Parker lashed out at the changes and urged Sainsbury's, the county council and the district council go back to the drawing boards.

He added: "I'm a bit horrified by it because it is basically converting Crown Square to a traffic controlled road junction.

"It is created entirely for cars and pedestrians get the leftovers round the edge."

Mr Parker said the association had been campaigning for years for a pedestrian-friendly town centre and felt their pleas had been ignored.

He added: "After all the fuss the district council have had over Sherwood Hall and the footbridge about poor consultation and it looks like the same thing is going to happen again."

A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said although the design of the new road layout had been determined by the planning process in 1999 there was an opportunity for residents and businesses to have a say on the finer details of the development. These may include railings, seating, the crown's location and street furniture.

Matlock mayor Cate Hopkinson said she hoped residents would take this opportunity to have their say.

She added: "I would love to see the people of Matlock putting their ideas forward now and not when it is too late.

"I would like to see more features in Matlock to attract people into the town, but I don't want to see lots of tarmac."

The plans will be on show at the district council offices until July 14.
Suggestions can be handed in at the district council office or sent to: Sainsbury's Matlock Crown Square, FREEPOST BM 8409, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 7BR.