POLICE have angered residents by barricading a popular pedestrian footpath ahead of a planned housing scheme.

Fencing off Hampshire Constabulary’s former headquarters in Winchester has clogged up traffic and forced the vulnerable and elderly on to the busy main road without a crossing, locals and councillors have warned.

Berkeley Homes is planning a 200-home estate on the site, previously used as a pedestrian cut-through for the city’s hospital, prison and university.

But many residents are upset about being pushed on to Romsey Road before planning permission has been granted.

Private security have been hired to guard the area, which police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes said was for residents’ safety.

He vowed to remove the barriers from passing points on narrow roads around the site, which locals say have added to the area’s congestion.

One resident, who uses a wheelchair to travel to regular cancer appointments at Royal Hampshire County Hospital, fears the lack of dropped kerb could put her at risk. The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s very inconsiderate. They don’t care, do they?"

I hadn’t heard a thing about this until we came around here and my husband said they had blocked off the whole site.”

Hampshire County Council, the highways authority, did not respond to a request for comment before the Daily Echo went to press. Berkeley Homes’ managing director, Chris Gilbert, said no concerns had been raised.

Ward councillor Liz Hutchison described the main road’s pavements as “dangerous and incredibly narrow”, adding: “There’s no suggestion in the proposals as to how Romsey Road is going to be addressed and it needs to be to make it a safe environment.”

The Berkeley Homes scheme is set to be determined by planning committee in January.

If approved, the distinctive 1960s police tower will be demolished “as soon as possible,” Mr Gilbert said.

A deal is in place to move two protected peregrine falcons, who live in its man-made nest, within the next month. Their new home has yet to be announced.

Police commissioner Mr Hayes said: “The issues [residents] have raised highlights the need for the Highways department to address narrow pavements and the lack of dropped kerbs. I hope that patient transport can be provided for those that need it.”