TWO parish councils have called for the dropping of plans to divert Andover Road through the Kings Barton estate.

The controversial measure, agreed some ten years ago, is due when the new 2,000-home estate reaches 600 houses. There are currently around 450 completed.

As well as the diversion, the current Andover Road would be closed to through traffic except for cycles, and possibly buses.

Littleton and Harestock Parish Council has agreed to write to Cllr Edward Heron, the executive lead member for Transport and Environment Strategy at Hampshire County Council, in support of the King’s Barton Residents Association petition to keep Andover Road open.

The parish council is concerned that the diversion along Winchester Avenue will increase traffic on local roads including Harestock Road.

READ MORE HERE: Pizza takeaway plan to open to 3am

Headbourne Worthy Parish Council has written to the estate developer Cala Homes and Hampshire County Council asking them to reconsider the decision to close Andover Road.

The parish, which includes Kings Barton, argues that the diversion will have a detrimental effect on the lives of the residents of Kings Barton.

The letter, signed by council chairman Jane Rutter, which is also a Liberal Democrat city councillor, states that both Cala and the county council "need to reassure us and new residents that any proposed changes to the road network are seen to be safe by the residents and that Winchester Avenue will be fit for purpose and properly adopted by Hampshire County Council.

"A busy main road will divide the residents of the development physically and will contribute to community severance."

There are currently 178 dwellings on Winchester Avenue within 11m of the road and many more due to be built.

It has been frequently pointed out that all residents should have been aware of the diversion plans.