Call to address Fordingbridge roads and pavements

Peter Daughtrey has described the environment as “hostile for shopping”, made worse by the narrow pavements, as lorries try to squeeze through to pass each other. He says they often have to mount the pavement to get through and the tyres can be heard “screeching” against the kerb, which is “frightening” for pedestrians like mothers with pushchairs or those using mobility scooters.

“The pavement is just nowhere near adequate and is very dangerous when you get two lorries coming along,” he said. “The side mirrors hang out over the pavement. My hat was sent spinning over the road.”

The pavements have made it difficult for people to maintain social distancing and mean pedestrians have to get out into the road. In some places, he said, the pavement just ends while in other areas it is “very difficult” to cross the road.

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Mr Daughtrey said it was “imperative” something was done to address traffic and highways issues, adding: “The high street is going to be strangled to death.”

He said: “We do have a very good range of independent shops - we’ve got good independent gift shops, butchers, bakers, fashion shops, everything you possibly need. But it is not attractive in terms of the environment.”

Mr Daughtrey, who was a former retailer himself, says he would like to see a similar scheme in Fordingbridge like what has been done in Romsey.

He also raised concerns about pollution levels and the speed of vehicles, as well as increasing traffic levels with future housing developments planned.

He says he has suggested improvements including using the top of the car park for a short road to link up with the two accesses and exits, or a system could be introduced allowing High Street to become one-way down from the town hall, prior to a by-pass near the rugby pitch on entering from Ringwood, looping round to the Alderholt road as then onto the Sandleheath road.

The one-way system, Mr Daughtrey argues, would allow for the High Street to then meander slightly to break the speed of traffic with spaces for tables outside cafes and pubs and parking bays for disabled drivers. A temporary solution, he says, to break the speed of traffic would be to add parking bays for disabled users and deliveries.

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Mr Daughtrey fears Fordingbridge is being forgotten and it is not seen as a “priority” by Hampshire County Council.

Dave Tree, of All the Cool Stuff, felt the traffic issues were “low” on the agenda for Hampshire County Council but recognised the financial pressures at this time. He said speed reduction would be a “viable” option.

Tim Devane, of Timothy’s, said the main problems were the narrow pavements and the closeness of lorries to people on the high street, and there was a need for more crossings and a one-way system.

He said: “It is difficult for young families to come out and not be quite worried about how close they are to the vehicles on the road.

“I would very much like to see the pavements widened. That unfortunately is not going to happen because we have a two-way system of traffic. I would like to see a one-way system fitted. It could be fitted quite easily.”

Fordingbridge mayor, Edward Hale, said: “I totally agree with the views of residents who have major concerns about the impact of traffic on our High Street. Businesses in the town are working hard to encourage residents and visitors to come to Fordingbridge - then it is frustrating that people have to cope with large traffic in narrow streets and the poor condition of our roads and pavements.

"Town councillors have regularly asked the Highways Authority to look at options for speed reduction, and to carry out repairs to road surfaces particularly on the High Street. The current development proposals mean the Town Council has an opportunity to demand improvements to the town including making it a safer place for pedestrians.”

A statement from Fordingbridge Town Council said: “The Town Council recently undertook a survey of open spaces which generated a good response from residents. The issue of roads, traffic and large vehicles in the High Street was consistently raised. The Town Council is aware that this is a major concern for a number of the town’s residents.The Town Council shares those concerns and is looking at how those concerns might be addressed.”

Councillor Rob Humby, the deputy leader of Hampshire County Council and executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “The County Council is committed to working with local communities across Hampshire, to consider proposals that enhance the accessibility of local centres and strike the right balance between the needs of traffic and pedestrians, when suitable funding sources can be identified. We are currently working with Fordingbridge Town Council on a signing scheme for the area.”