LETTER - Works for The Hundred, Romsey, disregard needs

The Hundred is the fundamental and established traffic route facilitating smooth traffic flow through and out of the town centre.

There is no reason why, as in the case of Bell Street and Church Street where the council has deemed it appropriate to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds, works could not be undertaken to widen the pavements and effect the "share the space" concept previously advocated.

Closure on the basis of social distancing is unnecessary and apparently a contradictory policy to that applicable to the areas close to the closed section e.g. Bell Street, Church Street, Latimer Street and Market Place where outlets have, immediately prior to lockdown, been permitted if not encouraged to place A boards, chairs/tables and stock on the pavements all serving to restrict the area available for pedestrian traffic.

A one way system for Portersbridge Street may be sensible but only if applicable from Church Street to Latimer Street.

The works associated with the suggested route are dangerous, creating the need for an awkward manoeuvre around an extended pavement for those turning left towards the Market Place/ Abbey Meads.

The works proposed by the authority are scheduled to commence in late May/June when, by all reasonable estimates, pandemic restrictions will be easing.

The expense can and should be avoided by reopening The Hundred as soon as possible, unless of course there is a hidden agenda.

KEITH LAWRENSON

Romsey