DRIVERS are being advised to allow more time for their journeys or consider alternative routes around Wickham on Monday 21 May due to road closures set to be in place for the annual Horse Fair.

The event is likely to be attended by more than a thousand Gypsies and travellers from across the country, and will feature traditional horse-run, fairground rides and market stalls.

Closures will include the A334 between the traffic signals at Blind Lane and the roundabout junction of the A32 – both from 5am to 8pm on May 21. Wickham Square will be closed from 12 noon on May 20 to 8pm on May 21.

Arrangements have been made for horse boxes to be parked on the east side of the A334 between the north end of the square and the junction at Blind Lane and Titchfield Lane.

Any vehicle parked in an unauthorised place will be towed away -signage has been placed along the route to provide advance information about the road closures.

Permits have been provided for residents to allow access through the closure points, although the road immediately adjacent to the entrance to The Square will not be passable due to the presence of horses and crowds.

A dedicated emergency telephone number has been set up for residents in the roads where access to their properties is affected. They have been contacted directly with this information. Officers in high visibility uniform will be on duty throughout the day.