ANGRY Eastleigh residents have launched a campaign to have the pedestrianisation of the town centre overturned.

A petition has been created by ETCAG (Eastleigh Town Centre Action Group), which is comprised of business owners/managers, residents and members of the public who have been affected by the road closures.

High Street and Market Street were closed on June 15, the same day non-essential shops and services were due to reopen and Lorraine Gardener, chair of ETCAG and local business owner said: “The high street wasn’t exactly thriving before lockdown and this isn’t the time to throw more obstacles in the way of surviving businesses.”

“They are saying that the roads are staying shut to keep people safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the businesses are Covid-19 safe and have been since the beginning.”

People shopping on these two streets now have to park further away.

Resident John Borer, said: “I’ve lived in Eastleigh 76 years and I love the place.

“There are queues, but if people see you coming, they just move over.”

The ETCAG are supported by MP for Eastleigh, Paul Holmes, who said: “Small businesses and our town centre are central to our community and I am extremely worried by the impact that the closure of Market Street and High Street has had on their livelihoods.

“I firmly believe that if the council listens and works with the businesses in the town centre, we can find a solution that keeps people safe and allows our businesses to thrive.”

At the time the Echo went to press there were more than 1,700 signatures on the petition, which is soon to be presented at the council offices.

An Eastleigh Borough Council spokesman said: “Maintaining the safety of shoppers in the town centre is paramount and High Street and Market Street in Eastleigh town centre have been temporarily closed to vehicles to allow safer social distancing for shoppers.

“To further support businesses, new parking areas for disabled people and drop-off areas have also been provided.

“We have met with ETCAG and listened to their concerns and we will continue to regularly review the situation.”