Hampshire County Council has created a survey to allow residents and locals to give their opinions on Fishers Hill, which has caused a divide for people for and against a permanent barrier to stop through-traffic.
Fishers Hill is a narrow rural lane in Catisfield Village, Fareham, that leads down to the historical Titchfield abbey. When it was built, it was designed for very low traffic numbers of walkers, carts/horses. However times have changed and there have been big developments in the surrounding areas Whitely and Segensworth, the road is now used by many cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.
In summer of 2020 during the Covid pandemic a temporary barrier was set up to allow pedestrians to maintain social distancing. In 2023 the council has been looking at the possibility of making a permanent barrier, which has caused a stir.
A local resident who wished to remain anonymous said: ‘When the hill had a temporary close to motorised traffic during Covid, the residents were delighted.
The hill was used by many people daily. It was safe, beautiful to see the animals in fields, be able to stand on the bridge in person and generally raised the wellbeing of the village. — Community spirit was restored’.
‘Since the hill was reopened the traffic volumes and speed has continued to increase and the local residents , the majority of which are desperate to feel safe again.
There is however much vocal opposition which is causing a big divide between the local community.
Road user Paul Sturgess said: ‘There’s no reason to shut this road. Other than the pinch point at the end it’s a very good wide road. This scheme was rejected not long ago. What makes hcc so determined to try again? The money they’re wasting on this would be better spent repairing the roads which are in a disgraceful state. The reasons they give for closure equally apply to thousands of lanes in Hampshire’.
People can complete the survey here by Sunday the 13th of March: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/atffishershill
