SIR: I wish to complain about the headline “County Council Conservatives restate support for closure of Andover Road in Winchester” (Chronicle, March 1).
During the recent Hampshire County Council (HCC) meeting, when questioned about the Andover Road North plans, Cllr Oppenheimer (Executive Member for Highways Operations) did no more than re-state the current position (also stated in the HCC and WCC Winchester Movement Strategy).
READ MORE HERE: Civic chiefs discuss diversion of Andover Road
To quote Cllr Oppenheimer in full: “The County Council position remains as stated in the statement of common ground. However, HCC and Winchester City Council are continuing to develop the Winchester Movement Strategy and as part of a recent public engagement exercise we have sought to gain views on the development of a new Park & Ride facility just off Andover Road. Consideration is still being given to how bus priority could be incorporated into the final road layout, and this includes potentially keeping Andover Road open for P&R buses, pedestrians and cyclists. This would require changes to the Harestock Road/Andover Road junction and we are working with both CALA homes and the City Council to look at options”.
Nowhere did Cllr Oppenheimer say that HCC support the closure of Andover Road.
I’m pleased to update that I have shared our “Andover Road North” survey results (91% object to closure) with Cllr Oppenheimer and he stated: "I am aware of local concerns about the re-routing of traffic from Andover Road. I have spoken with local residents and understand why people have those concerns. HCC as the Highways Authority is not in a position to change the details of the Master Plan which has been through a planning process. As Executive Member for Highway Operations I will seek a meeting with the applicant Cala Homes to establish a dialogue about the options and about their intentions".
SEE ALSO: Hampshire County Council maintains stance on Andover Road closure
As our Liberal Democrat councillors have done nothing to represent residents on this issue, I will continue to lobby Cala Homes, WCC and HCC, to push for a change to planning, such that the trunk route of Andover Road North is kept open to all through traffic and Winchester Avenue open for all local traffic and buses.
Signe Biddle,
Conservative Candidate for the Worthys,
Mortimer Close,
Kings Worthy
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