TRAFFIC calming measures on a Hedge End estate are unnecessary and could cause more accidents than they prevent, residents claim.

Maunsell Way has been narrowed at a number of points to prevent speeding and create more places for pedestrians to cross the road. Hedge End Town Council welcomed the changes but people living in the road are not so sure.

Resident Ian Moyse is an outspoken critic of the scheme.

He said: "The way they have done the narrowing throughout is overkill. The extra footpaths and the narrowing around the school area are welcome, but why spend so much taxpayers' money on a road with no known accident record in the 13 years I have lived here?

"Everyone is still barging through anyway, but now there are near-misses. These will be worse during the winter when it will be icy and people are having to brake coming into a bend."

Paul and Sandra Hayhurst, managers of the Shamblehurst Barn pub in Maunsell Way, also believe the measures could cause problems.

Mrs Hayhurst said: "I've nearly had a couple of accidents, and no one seems to be slowing down."

Mr Hayhurst added: "The narrowings are tight, and I just hope they put up some Give Way signs or there could be some bumps."

Police say there have been at least five recorded accidents on the road this year.

The measures are part of a £350,000 scheme from Hampshire County Council to make Maunsell Way safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Hedge End councillor Louise Bloom said the improvements were necessary to prevent drivers speeding through the estate.

She said: "The scheme is definitely needed as people would just race down there at 40 or 50 miles an hour. The highways department says its computer model shows the road is fine, but residents have said it is too small.

"It's a county council scheme that we are supporting and we have consulted residents with leaflets, by knocking on doors and even with an advert in the Daily Echo, so people have been informed."

Cllr Bloom added that the town council had received complaints from residents and was arranging meetings with the project managers of the scheme to try to resolve any problems.