RESIDENTS have called a proposed puffin crossing “a waste of money” and “unnecessary”.

People living in Western Way, South Ham, feel like they have been “bombarded” by Hampshire County Council when contractors turned up to carry out work, which they objected to more than a year ago.

Despite objections during the original consultation period back in February 2015 – and no further consultation since – workmen turned up without any notice to carry out the work, on March 29.

The county council’s plans will see a puffin crossing put in at the junction of Western Way and Pinkerton Road so people can gain easier access to Camrose Medical Centre.

However, residents say people will not use the crossing, instead they will cross at the bus stop, some 60m down the road.

Resident David Downie said he has tried to contact the council on more than one occasion but has had no response.

He said: “The first I knew the work was going ahead was when contractors turned up outside.

“I asked them where the planning notice was and he pointed to a sign about 100 yards down the road.”

Currently the residents living in Western Way are doing everything they can to postpone the work, including parking their cars in the way.

The work is estimated to cost more than £120,000, money which another Western Way resident, Dan Johnson, believes could be put to better use.

He said: “We are hearing of the breastfeeding and children’s centres being forced to close, but the county council can afford to fund a puffin crossing no-one wants.”

South Ham ward councillor, Gary Watts, has even written to the county council asking them to postpone the work.

Cllr Watts said: “This whole process has been very badly handled.”

A spokesperson from the county council said the scheme has been put in place to create a safer place to cross the junction.

He said: “A survey was carried out to monitor the number and speed of vehicles using the road, along with the number of pedestrians crossing the road, in order to determine the most suitable crossing type and location.”

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