OPPONENTS to the pedestrianisation of Andover High Street will be crowding into the long-awaited public inquiry on the controversial proposal.

The inquiry takes place in Andover Guildhall on 18 June. High Street trader Ken Whitehouse - one of the campaign leaders against the plan from Test Valley Borough Council - said objectors welcomed any opportunity to put forward their point of view.

"We have always said we would welcome improvements to the High Street and when plans were first proposed five or six years ago we welcomed proposals for chevron parking and flower displays to make the area more attractive and with the Time Ring sited at the top of the street," said Mr Whitehouse.

"What we do not want is for the High Street to be shut off completely, that would kill trade completely.

"There could be a reduced speed limit but access could still be allowed."

He pointed out that over 700 people had written, opposing pedestrianisation, to the Government's South East Office, which is organising the inquiry.

A total of 6,000 signed petitions in opposition.