By John Howell Sr.
Batesville aldermen voted Friday to establish a four-way stop at the intersection of Pamela and Bates streets, and Creek Drive.

Ward Four Alderman Eddie Nabors presented a petition which neighborhood residents had given him. The petition bore signatures of approximately 300 Batesville residents who support a four-way stop at the intersection.

“I’m ready to do a four-way stop there,” Nabors said.

There was limited discussion. Police Chief Tony Jones said that stopping traffic from Creek Drive through to Pamela Street might increase congestion. The route became a main artery connecting Highway 51 with the Downtown Square in the mid-1990s with the connection of Creek and Pamela.

Motorists have cited difficulty negotiating the stop signs that halt north/south traffic on Bates Street with the existing two-way stop at the intersection. Crepe myrtles recently planted along Creek Drive threaten further to obscure visibility at the intersection, one alderman said.