Hampshire County Council have signalled success for a campaign that seeks to bring a safe crossing to Andover Road in Winchester.
The Conservative run authority responded to the push led by MP Steve Brine and backed by a cross-party group of parish, city and county councillors as well as the Headteacher of the new Barton Farm Primary Academy.
Hampshire roads boss Cllr Rob Humby on Friday briefed the MP, Cllr Jan Warwick (who represents many of the parents in Weeke and Harestock crossing the road at this point to reach the school) and Kings Barton resident Mike Slinn who last year presented a petition to the County Council.
Cllr Humby said in a subsequent email to the trio; "Thank you for presenting your “Pedestrian Crossing on Andover Road, Winchester “ petition at County Council on the 3rd December 2020. As you are aware HCC has provided responses to previous concerns with regards the matters raised in your petition.
"HCC has now instigated a technical feasibility study to establish the possibility of implementing a signalised pedestrian crossing on the Andover Road, in the vicinity of Halls Farm Close pedestrian footpath link and the “ridge”. It is anticipated this will be completed in Spring 2021.
"Work to investigate extending the existing 40mph limit on Andover Road has also commenced. We anticipate our proposals will be advertised shortly which will give the public the chance to comment if necessary."
Steve Brine MP said; "This is great news and shows what sensible cross-party efforts can achieve when we are working together. It's important that mentality continues and we support HCC in moving swiftly through the process it must follow now to get this crossing, and the changed speed limit, in place as soon as possible. This crossing is important for now of course but the campaign always had one eye on the future as the new school fills and this area of Winchester gets every busier with pedestrians."
Cllr Jan Warwick added; "This is very positive news for those parents with young children needing to cross the Andover Rd every day. I am grateful to the Highways team at Hampshire County Council for their prompt support for the safety of our residents."
Pictured; Steve with parents and Barton Farm Headteacher, Nicola Wells, at the launch of the campaign.
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