ANDOVER MP Sir George Young has welcomed news that the Department for Trans-port has commissioned a study into the safety of a gap in the A303 at Amport.

Sir George contacted the department following the death of pensioner William Wales in June. He died when his Peugeot was in collision with a Citroen Xsara after he pulled out of Sarsens Lane onto the A303.

At the time, chairman of Amport Parish Council, Lt Col David Wilkinson, said Mr Wales’ death could reopen the debate on whether the central reservation gap should be closed.

He said: “We are all very, very well aware of the dangers of this crossing and as a parish council we have always said we would like a split level crossing made available.

This is undoubtedly a dangerous crossing at which one must take maximum care.”

Now, transport minister John Spellar has confirmed a study is taking place.

In a letter to Sir George, he said: “The Highways Agency has recently commissioned a study to consider potential safety improvements at this location, the results of which should be known later this year.”

Sir George said: “I was pleased to see they’ve commissioned a study . . . I have asked to be kept in the picture.”