SAFETY BARRIERS have been implemented after drivers ignored signs in the market town.

The news comes after the top of Bell street between Romsey Town Hall and Natwest Bank was closed on Monday morning so work could be carried out to install a raised crossing for pedestrians.

The town council took to Twitter today and said that part of Bell Street near Newton Lane is now closed "due to drivers ignoring original signage"

Mark Edgerley, the town centre manager said that since the road closure was put in place on Monday that a "considerable number of drivers ignored it and drove up Bell Street and through the pedestrian area of the Cornmarket."

Mark added: "We are very disappointed that drivers ignored the very clear signage and diversion put in place whilst work on the connection of Bell Street to Market Place was carried out.

"Drivers choose to drive up Bell Street turning right in to the Cornmarket, a designated pedestrian zone, passing through the no entry sign that has been at that point since the 1990s.

"Our main concern was for safety of pedestrians in The Cornmarket and for the wellbeing of market customers and traders who occupy that space three days a week

"We are very grateful to Knights Brown and Hampshire County Council for installing extra signage and a barrier at the lower end of Bell Street that they are staffing during working hours. "

Essential deliveries can still enter the street and the town council expect it to reopen by May 26