SIR: I write in response to Mr Llewellyn’s letter (Chronicle, March 25) regarding the Hyde Street petition.

One of the canvassers that Mr Llewellyn is referring to is myself and while we had a robust but good natured conversation, he has been very selective in the points he wishes to highlight.

The petition is not or never has been just about the temporary closure of Hyde Street (a main B type road) and the consequences this has for Worthy Lane residents. It seeks to highlight and draw attention to the wider implications the road closure has had on traffic congestion throughout Winchester not to mention increased levels of pollution and noise that comes with stationary vehicles snarling up the approaches to the city centre. While Worthy Lane residents are directly impacted, it would be wrong to imply that we are motivated solely by our own interests.

Living in an area accessed from Hyde Street, it is not entirely unexpected that Mr Llewellyn has taken the stance he has in assumedly supporting the closure. He and other residents living along this road will no doubt feel the benefits of less traffic and be enjoying a much improved living environment. Having discussed the situation with the local business community, we know that most do not, unsurprisingly, hold the same views and are frustrated at being kept in the dark by the council.

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On the subject of not offering constructive alternatives to the Hyde Street closure, a large number of residents have engaged with local councillors since June 2020 and put forward proposals that would have been as effective and less divisive. Suffice to say these were rejected and in some instances not even responded to.

Signees of the petition were encouraged to look at and participate in the Hampshire County Council’s online active travel plan proposal. It remains unclear, apart from a selective letter drop by the council to certain areas in Winchester, how this consultation has been advertised to the wider public.

Andy Cole,

Worthy Lane,

Winchester

SIR: I have seen at close hand the devastating consequences of whiplash injuries to the head. The injuries caused are particular patterns of bleeding around the brain which can lead to damage and significant social consequences for all involved.

A pedestrian or cyclist struck by part of a vehicle travelling at speed is at risk, possibly seriously and the injuries may not necessarily be apparent at the time of the incident.

Our councils has has a duty of care to all residents as well as our much needed visitors. The proposed Active Travel Plan goes a long way to addressing this and some of our most pressing public health issues at a time when money is scarce, quite a big bang for the buck.

I would urge anyone who journeys along the Roman roads of our city to respond positively to this project.

Dr Anne Russell,

Hyde Street,

Hyde,

Winchester