The decorative black metal barriers will seal off the road to traffic during the day, replacing bollards which were in place at the top of the street.

St Edmundsbury Borough Council made the changes to improve the look of the street scene, part of wider improvements planned throughout the town.

Their design came under fire initially after some councillors likened them to Batman-style architecture and there were concerns cars would attempt to squeeze past them.

The barriers, which cost £3,700 to make and install, were made by Designs on Metal, at Bridge Farm, Stowlangtoft. They replace the red and white bollards which blocked off the street to traffic and created a pedestrianised shopping area.

Terry Clements, portfolio holder for transport and planning, said: "The gates are brilliant. There was a lot of consultation, but these are the best way forward."

Also at the launch was Peter Stevens, portfolio holder for environment and street scene identity. He said: "This is a welcome to Abbeygate Street, not a closure."

County councillor Paul Hopfensperger said, in response to our story on the Bury Free Press website: "These gates are monstrous. I had three people stop me complaining about them, and all I was doing was going to the bank.

"Many of us, including the Bury Society, asked for 'rising bollards' to be installed in the street, which is in keeping with the rest of the street furniture."

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