The system is being planned for the Castle Street section between the Square and Bridge Street Link as utility work is carried out by Northern Ireland Water and Phoenix Gas along the notoriously narrow street.

It is believed that the adjacent properties do not permit the widening of the narrow footpath, meaning a one-way system would be the only conceivable way of widening pedestrian access.

A statement from DRD Roads Service said: “There was a proposal to try and introduce a temporary one-way system during July/August 2007 as a result of demolition works being carried out at the corner of Castle Street/Bridge Street, Comber, however, as a result of safety concerns, this did not happen.

“In the near future, there will be resurfacing works in Mill Street and the opportunity may be taken at that time to introduce the one-way system on an experimental basis.”

Local councillor Simon Hamilton said that while the proposal was “someway off in the distance yet” he believed that after suffering years as one of the worst main streets in the whole of Northern Ireland, “light may be beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel” for Comber.

Local residents cautiously welcomed any future developments in the local road infrastructure.

A Comber Community Development Association spokesman said: “Any measured assessment of the growing traffic congestion problems within Comber has to be welcomed, but with the anticipated 33 percent growth in population in the coming years, it is vital that DRD considers the town as a whole, and consults with the wider community before implementing any changes to its infrastructure.”

The spokesman said due consideration must also be given to the environmental and economic impact in the town and “any proposed plans should follow the relevant statutory procedures as outlined in the Regional Strategy Plan for Northern Ireland”.

“Comber is a growing commuter town and it is crucial that it is supported by a viable and sustainable infrastructure,” he added.