CONTROVERSIAL plans to permanently close a busy and well-used road in Walkford have divided the residents of Highcliffe.

The proposal to close Chewton Farm Road at its junction with Walkford Road came about following representations from local residents who were concerned about the speed of some drivers using the road as a rat-run.

Almost 130 residents signed a petition calling for action to reduce the traffic by either closing the road at one end, narrowing it or installing a traffic calming measure that would significantly reduce the problem.

The road already has a 7.5-tonne weight restriction on it but according to the residents this has made little difference.

Under the proposals, the road would be closed to all through traffic except cyclists.

While many residents in the road support the proposal, it has invited criticism and opposition from other people living in Highcliffe and Walkford, including Highcliffe Residents’ Association.

John Mather, chairman of the residents’ association, said: “We have had a few representations from people unhappy with the proposal.

“The executive committee of the association took a vote, which was unanimous in not wanting to see the road closed.

“While we recognise there is a lot of support for the closure from residents, we feel that there are other solutions that are not so extreme, including traffic calming measures.”

Ward councillor Nick Geary said: “It is proving to be a controversial issue and I am determined to do what is right by the residents.

“I will be supporting the majority opinion, as this has to be an open democratic process.

“While I recognise that there will of course be benefits and compromises to be made if this goes ahead, something has to be done as it is a dangerous and busy road.”

Christchurch council said they had received a large number of responses to the consultation exercise and they were preparing a report to go to the community services committee on September 9.