Thousands back call for A36 safety

About 2,100 people have signed up to our campaign, urging highways bosses to act now to install crucial safety measures on the road through Wellow and Plaitford.

An open meeting last week in Wellow Primary School, attended by hundreds of campaigners, triggered a rush of support for our petition.

Nearly 1,000 signatures have been collected since the fiery meeting, where Highways Agency chiefs responsible for the road were put on the spot.

More than 200 pub-goers at The Shoe Inn, in Plaitford, joined the growing army of campaigners when they signed the petition. In October 2000, two people were killed on the road as they made their way to the pub.

Dozens more people from parish councils, lunch clubs and sports groups have put their weight behind the campaign.

Now Romsey MP Sandra Gidley and Test Valley councillor John Lewis are pressing ahead to put promised changes into action.

Mrs Gidley is meeting with Highways Agency bosses and experts from Hampshire County Council this Friday.

A vital government study which could finally trigger work on the road is also due to be released in the coming weeks.

Politicians at all levels and across the parties are now responding to the weight of public opinion to put pressure on the Highways Agency to end the procrastination holding up safety work.

The Daily Echo wants the A36, one of the most dangerous roads in Hampshire, made safer for schoolchildren, horse riders, drivers and residents.

We want to see speed cameras, reduced limits, double white lines, filter lanes and flashing warning signs installed along the deadly two-mile stretch.

It's not too late add your name to the growing list of supporters demanding a safer A36. Simply sign the petition on page 11 of today's Daily Echo and send it to Mrs Gidley's Romsey office.

If you back the campaign or want a petition form contact Claire Moriarty at the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4495 or e-mail using the link above.