NEARLY 200 people signed a petition calling for a rethink on bus routes in Winchester after a man was hit by a single-decker.

The 42-year-old local man is understood to be recovering in hospital, after serious injuries suffered when the bus hit him on the corner of Middle Brook Street and St George’s Street on December 19.

Now residents have voiced their concerns at buses travelling through the city centre and 200 signed a petition to stop buses passing through.

It states: “There have been a few incidents involving people being hurt due to the buses in Winchester going through the High Street. Yesterday a man was seriously injured after an incident with a bus.

“A young child has also been involved with a bus. There is very limited space trying to drive these buses through such a small centre. Even if we can stop the buses during busy overcrowded times like Christmas.Thank you.”

Bed and breakfast owner Tammy Griggs, who started the online petition, said: "The space the drivers have to fit into is so small, pedestrians really have to stand back going around the corner of Debenhams.

"During Christmas time, town is overcrowded and buses are having to try and drive through all this. Town centre is shut when Hat Fair is on, so maybe it's a good idea to shut it during the Christmas period too."

Portfolio holder for transport and professional Services Cllr James Byrnes said: "I think having buses make a left turn out of the Bus Station and go along Friarsgate is a good thing, and it's something we have wanted for some time.

"The replacement of the bus stops to the rear of M&S would need to be addressed but aside from that it would seem an eminently sensible thing to do.

"I hope that this is something that the Central Winchester Regeneration IPG would support as part of their work and I'm sure Hampshire County Council will look closely at the matter.

"Now visitors to Winchester have hit 5.6m that part of the City is only going to see higher pedestrian volumes. I would be delighted to host a forum of Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and Stagecoach in the new year to get things moving if those organisations are prepared to discuss the matter."

A Stagecoach spokeswoman said: "It is important to the local economy that buses are able to bring people into the heart of the city and we continue to work with the local authority, which has responsibility for road traffic management, on the delivery of the local bus network. Safety is our absolute priority and our thoughts remain with the person who was injured in the incident this week."

With the Silver Hill plans the buses were to be rerouted along Friarsgate.

Both police and Stagecoach carried out an investigation following the incident. There will also be one by the Casualty Reduction Partnership, led by the county council. Hampshire County Council.

To sign the petition visit https://www.change.org/p/hampshire-county-council-stop-the-buses-going-through-winchester-town-centre