A GROUP of walkers are looking to improve footpaths interrupted by the A303 – where an Andover teenager was struck and killed earlier this year.

David Clark, Andover Ramblers footpath secretary, spoke of the charity’s partnership with Hampshire County Council to increase the safety of crossing the busy dual carriageway.

Although Mr Clark said the plan is not in response to the death of Harry Butler, he believes the issue is an important one to tackle.

The authority approached Andover Ramblers around four weeks ago to see if the club had any ideas on expanding rights of way in the area.

The 65-year-old, of Conholt Road, said: “Many of your readers may not be aware that walkers are actively encouraged to take their lives in their hands by crossing this road.

“Footpaths in the Andover area were simply cut in two when the A303 dual carriageway was built.

“The footpaths still exist with a break in the central barrier to allow pedestrians to cross.”

Mr Clark, a retired management accountant, has been with the walking group for 10 years.

He added: “This day and age the traffic is heavy and travelling at 70, 80, 90 miles an hour.

“And it’s often difficult to judge what sort of speed they are doing so most prudent people don’t cross them.

“There are footpaths that do cross the A303 and people should be wary using them, and we’re trying to address those problems with Hampshire County Council. I think HCC is doing a reasonable job, given the resources. We’re quite impressed.

“The amount they get on and do and they’re all very helpful.”

Mr Clark said their priorities are the safety of the footpaths and to open up the paths in circular routes so as to encourage walkers to use them.