THE county’s transport chief has repeated claims that the diversion of a major Winchester road could be stopped, despite the issue appearing to have been decided.

Andover Road is set to be diverted as part of the Kings Barton/Barton Farm estate development.

Earlier this month, Winchester Conservatives reignited the issue when campaign material in the Wonston and Micheldever ward – which city council leader Caroline Horrill represents – argued there is still time to reverse the controversial decision.

This was followed by MP Steve Brine who, by backing Tory city council candidate and Andover Road campaigner Paul Twelftree, also expressed the view that the decision could be reversed.

Now, city councillor and Hampshire County Council executive member for transport Rob Humby has issued a similar statement to one he made last October.

Cllr Humby told campaigners: “We are carefully studying the feedback from the recent city-wide movement study and will be making some announcements in due course. However I can confirm in respect of the future of the Andover Road all options remain on the table and [Hampshire County Council] haven’t ruled anything out.”

But following Cllr Humby’s statement last year, corporate director at the city council Steve Tilbury said CALA Homes, the developer, has no choice but to implement the diversion of the road as it was a planning condition for the development.

He said: “The county council as highways authority always keeps under review the management of the roads. If Hampshire County Council want a different road network it would have to be agreed with CALA Homes. I don’t think there is any basis for confusion.”

But Mr Twelftree added: “This message, and the recent support from the city council cabinet for keeping the road open, shows that the closure is very much not a ‘done deal’ and there is still everything to campaign for. Rest assured I will continue to keep up the pressure on councillors and others to do the right thing for local residents and change this awful plan.”

The Chronicle has asked Cllr Humby to clarify why he issued the comments to Andover Road campaigners in light of Mr Tilbury’s response.