A CAMPAIGN for a new road crossing in Winchester appears close to success.
Campaigners have been calling for a crossing on Andover Road to connect the growing estate of Barton Farm with Weeke and Harestock.
Parents with children at the recently-opened Barton Farm Primary Academy were involved, fearing that the road posed a danger to children.
The campaign attracted cross-party support including city MP Steve Brine, local Liberal Democrats and parish councillors.
Now Hampshire County Council (HCC) has said it is drawing up plans for a crossing.
Senior county councillor Rob Humby on Friday briefed Mr Brine, Cllr Jan Warwick and Kings Barton resident Mike Slinn who last year presented a petition to the county council.
Cllr Humby said in an email to them: “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 (study) 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.”
Nicola Wells, headteacher at the academy, pictured, said: “I’m delighted that the county council are undertaking a feasibility study for a crossing. The crossing is vitally important to the safety of our pupils and parents coming from Weeke and Harestock, as well as to other residents in the area.”
Mr Brine 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.
Mr Brine added: “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.”
Mike Slinn emailed Cllr Humby: “Thank you for the meeting today and for your consideration of the views of local residents. I am very pleased that the county council is considering a signalised pedestrian crossing of Andover Road near the Halls Farm Close pedestrian footpath link.”
Mr Slinn asked Cllr Humby to extend the proposal for a 30mph limit to include the crossing location.
Cllr Warwick added: “This is very positive news for those parents with young children needing to cross the Andover Road every day. I am grateful to the Highways team at Hampshire County Council for their prompt support for the safety of our residents.”
Cllr Humby said vegetation had been cleared from the footpath on the Barton Farm side of the road. Consideration will be given to surfacing the currently unpaved path.
There was less good news on a crossing on Worthy Road between Stoke Road and Dyson Drive in nearby Abbotts Barton.
Cllr Humby said there were “insufficient pedestrians” at the moment but it would be kept under review.
CALA is constructing a tarmac route linking the new estate to Courtenay Road.
“If this route is well used in the future it may increase the numbers crossing Worthy Road and this position may change.”
The Kings Barton Forum on Tuesday night heard that pressure is being maintained on Hampshire County Council to improve the currently unmade and very muddy footpath to the school.
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