A PETITION objecting to two proposed service stations on the M3 has be formally been put before parliament.

Launched by Basingstoke’s MP, Maria Miller, the petition aims to get parliamentary backing against a planning application for a service station at Black Dam, which is currently being considered by the local authority, and a proposal for a site in Hatch Warren.

More than 3,000 signed up and today Mrs Miller is due to formally submit the petition in the House of Commons.

Mrs Miller said: “This petition demonstrates the very significant level of concern among local residents about the two separate proposals for new motorway services.

“I will be formally presenting the petition to Parliament on Tuesday [today] and will take the opportunity to speak in the House of Commons about this important campaign against the proposed motorway service areas.

“Residents have told me of their serious concerns that new facilities would be a risk to road safety and cause congestion, as well as being incredibly damaging to our environment.

“They are simply not needed, given that the existing services at Fleet and Winchester are only 23 miles apart.”

Councillor Onnalee Cubitt, who represents the Basing Ward, added: “Basingstoke residents have signed this petition to show very clearly that they don’t want these 24/7 blots on the local landscape, with the pollution, traffic and noise they will bring. Local residents say no to Moto.”

The proposal for the service area at Hatch Warren would potentially see a flyover built across the motorway, very close to residential properties, and which would threaten the Brighton Hill playing fields.

These services would also mean a further motorway junction – with three junctions within the space of three miles, which includes Junctions 7 and 8.

Hatch Warren and Beggarwood ward councillor, Cllr Terri Reid, said: “The response to the petition from local residents has been phenomenal, and underlines the strength of feeling against the proposal.

“Local people are deeply concerned about this intrusive development, so close to homes and local estate roads. The strong message is, this is a step too far, Hatch Warren and Beggarwood residents have had enough and we will fight this proposal all the way.”

Both Onnalee Cubitt and Terri Reid are candidates in the forthcoming Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council elections. For a full list of candidates, go the council's website.