Angry Romsey residents slam plans for main road to remain temporarily shut

The Hundred closed to traffic on July 1 in a bid to help people socially distance by providing more space for pedestrians and cyclists, Hampshire County Council (HCC) confirmed.

Portersbridge Street quickly became a "rat run" with cars using the road as a cut through, according to county councillor for Romsey Town, Mark Cooper.

Hampshire county councillor for Romsey Town Mark Cooper.

The street could now be turned into a one way system as part of an online consultation launched by HCC to improve The Hundred’s temporary closure.

Some outraged residents have vented their thoughts on Facebook in light of the proposals, believing congestion will spill into Cherville Street and Greatbridge Road if the plans are given the green light.

Other critics fear drivers will be pumping more fumes into the atmosphere if people are diverted around town.

One man wrote: "It's daft, so if you're in town in your car you have to drive to Greatbridge Road to get back out to the bypass; what about [our] carbon footprint [if we're] doing extra miles?"

One woman said: "This is getting silly now. The Hundred has been closed for months even when most shops have been closed and footfall [has been] down. "Now a one way system in Portersbridge Street will only move the traffic problem onto Cherville Street.

"Ultimately The Hundred should be open."

Another commenter said: "It is ridiculous you have to go such a long way around for the sake of 100-yard closure."

However, some people were in favour of the scheme, with one person believing it could help businesses in the heart of town and prepare Romsey for "further pandemics".

One man wrote: "It's a bold plan, but could be fantastic; Romsey could enjoy flowing access and the pedestrianisation would give the town centre really diverse opportunities for businesses. "You’ve only got to look at Google Earth to see how it lends itself to this. "Plus [it] future-proofs the centre against change, due to further pandemics."

Another resident backed the plans, but feared the direction of the one way system will force drivers to battle a "nearly blind junction" when exiting Portersbridge Street onto Church Street.

He said: "Coming out of Portersbridge Street opposite the Tipsy Pig [pub] is safer, has a proper clear junction and allows a good exit from the town centre, without going all the way out and down Cherville Street.

"Coming into Romsey centre via Portersbridge Street makes little sense when we have existing good clear access via the Bell Street route."

As reported, the plans would see "the red and white barriers removed and replaced with planters where the Market Place and The Hundred meet to help narrow the road," Cllr Cooper said.

"The Hundred would also be closed with planters where the road meets Latimer Street," he added.

The leader stressed because it is a temporary closure, residents living in The Hundred will still be able to park near their properties.

A document from the county council states delivery trucks will still be able to serve businesses in the road, as there will still be parking spaces available.

The consultation will run until midnight Sunday, March 14, deputy leader of HCC and executive member for economy, transport and environment, Cllr Rob Humby confirmed.

To have your say on the proposed changes, visit http://bit.ly/3b5SwWQ.

Credit: Councillor Rob Humby