POLICE have decided to close a Hampshire road over concern for public safety due to flooding.

The closure which came into place in the last few minutes will see Greatbridge Road in Romsey closed at the junction with Fishlake Meadows, which will prevent access to Budds Lane.

Police said this decision was made in consultation with experts from the Environment Agency and the local authority.

The Environment Agency said it was expecting 20mm to fall in the Romsey area tomorrow and further heavy rain on Monday and that it was therefore expecting river levels to rise.

Chief Inspector Simon Tribe said emergency services had already had to rescue one car stuck in flood water at this spot today.

 

"The decision was not taken lightly, we have been working closely with all of our partner agencies to do everything we can to keep roads open and traffic flowing in these exceptional conditions,” he said.

"However, the assessment today with the increasing flood levels was that the road has now become too hazardous to pass, and presents a risk to drivers.

“We have had overwhelming support from local residents and business owners on that industrial estate today.

“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has just this afternoon rescued people from a car stranded in deep floodwater adjacent to the industrial estate at Budds Lane.

"We are hugely sympathetic to local businesses affected by these conditions and will do everything we can with our partner agencies to alleviate the flood conditions in this area as soon as we can, but the health and safety of the public must come first."