BUSINESSES in a town centre have launched a campaign to end its ban on cars.

Now a petition signed by more thn 2,000 people has been submitted to the civic chiefs concerning the pedestrianisation of Eastleigh town centre..

Campaigners are angry at the closure of Market Street and High Street.

The petition was created by the Eastleigh Town Centre Action Group (ETCAG), a group which is made up of business owners/managers, residents and members of the public who have been affected by the road closures that have been in place since June 15.

Many members of the ETCAG attended and were eager to voice how they have been affected by the closure.

Former county councillor and local resident Andy Moore said: “The council need to talk to local businesses and work with them to find a fair solution because no businesses mean no public, no public means no town.”

Owner of RJS Convenience Store, Sukhdev Raj said: “I have been open throughout lockdown and as soon as they shut the roads sales dropped. People would normally park close by where we would then load their bags for them but they are just not coming in anymore.”

The presentation of the petition was also attended by councillor and ETCAG supporter, Margaret Atkinson who said: “I am very disappointed that Eastleigh Brough Council is not providing more support for local businesses.

"I hope the council will take urgent notice of the petition I helped deliver to their offices today and discuss various alternatives to re-open the town centre to traffic before it’s too late and the town centre dies.”

A council spokesperson said: “To help keep visitors and shoppers safe when they return to Eastleigh town centre, the council put in place measures to help shops to safely reopen in June and July.

“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. We are aware of ETCAG’s concerns and we continue to regularly review the situation.”