PEDESTRIANS are demanding more should be done to protect their safety after a popular shortcut was fenced off as part of a major redevelopment in Winchester.

Hampshire police's West Hill base in Romsey Road has been fenced off as work starts to turn it into a large housing estate.

Pedestrians who used to walk through the site as a short cut say they must now use narrow pavements running alongside Romsey Road and they claim traffic is being held up by passing points being sealed off.

Berkeley Homes is planning a 200-home estate on the site, previously used as a pedestrian cut-through for Winchester's hospital, prison and university.

Private security have been hired to guard the area, which police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes said was for residents' safety.

Following complaints he has now pledged to remove the barriers from passing points on narrow roads around the site, which locals say have added to the area's congestion.

But he said the pavement issues was a matter for the highways department of the local authority. Mr Hayes said: "The issues [residents] have raised highlights the need for the Highways department to address narrow pavements and the lack of dropped kerbs."

One resident, who uses a wheelchair to travel to regular cancer appointments at Royal Hampshire County Hospital, fears the lack of dropped kerb could put her at risk.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: "It's very inconsiderate. I hadn't heard a thing about this until we came around here and my husband said they had blocked off the whole site."

Ward councillor and nearby resident Liz Hutchison said: "It's a really important pedestrian route and I think it's completely unacceptable that it should be closed."

She described the main road's pavements as "dangerous and incredibly narrow", adding: "There's no suggestion in the proposals as to how Romsey Road is going to be addressed and it needs to be redesigned from the point of view of pedestrians and so cyclists, to make the whole place a safe and pleasant environment."

Cllr Seán Woodward, Hampshire County Council's executive member for transport, said: “As the highways authority, we will always seek opportunities to improve facilities for pedestrians  when sites come forward for redevelopment.  

"We will work closely with Winchester City Council as the planning authority to ensure that appropriate contributions are made by the developer to mitigate the impact of the development and help improve facilities for everyone.  

"Given Mr Hayes’ concern on this issue, I am sure that the site disposal arrangements the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office makes will seek to support improved amenities for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.”

Berkeley Homes' managing director, Chris Gilbert, said no concerns had been raised with the firm.

Their scheme is set to be determined by planning committee in January.

If approved, the distinctive 1960s police tower will be demolished "as soon as possible," Mr Gilbert said.

A deal is in place to move two protected peregrine falcons, who live in its man-made nest, within the next month. Their new home has yet to be announced.