London Road cutway closure a concern for Andover residents

The cutway, connecting London Road and Eastfield Road, has been blocked since a storm brought down a tree and lamppost early this year.

Although Hampshire County Council, which maintains the path, blocked the cutaway by installing barriers several months ago, the debris has not been removed yet.

Test Valley Borough Councillor Iris Andersen, who has been pushing the council to sort the path, said she is "feeling sorry for the residents".

The cutway, connecting London Road and Eastfield Road, has been blocked since a storm brought down a tree and lamppost early this year (Image: Newsquest)

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"The elderly use this cutway to get to the doctor's surgery at the Adelaide, and children use it to reach several schools. It's very important," Cllr Andersen said.

"Although there are barriers, people still going through it, and it really does worry me," she said.

"I know it's taking time more time because it's an insurance job, but the length of time it's taken to clear it is dangerous."

The downed tree, damaged lamppost, and potential structural issues with a nearby wall are all causes for concern for residents, according to Cllr Andersen.

"The residents feel like they're not being listened to," she said.

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"We don't have to live like this. The brick wall at the corner is all cracking out and I can see kids jumping over it. I asked the council to have a look at it. But they said it was all okay.

"With a tree being stuck in the middle of the footpath and a fallen street light, people are just now fed up with it. They are telling me that something should have been done by now. I hope the council finds an agreement with the private party and the insurance company involved and sort it quickly so that people can continue to use the path."

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “The fallen tree caused considerable damage to the walls on either side of the footpath. The collapsed wall belongs to a third party who has been contacted to have the rubble removed.

"The other wall, which is now unstable as a consequence of the tree coming down, belongs to the County Council and we are in the process of making arrangements in preparation for the required work. Until the work on both walls is completed, which we anticipate will be by the end of July, it is regrettably not safe to reopen the footpath to the public.”