New police boss hear views on Travellers' A33 pony racing

Up to 500 Travellers blocked the A33 dual carriageway last month for two days of illegal racing, disrupting travel for thousands of motorists. A repeat has been planned for Saturday June 19.

Police officers, hugely outnumbered, closed off the A33 and allowed the event to go ahead, sparking widespread anger.

Last night the recently elected police and crime commissioner Donna Jones attended a police beat surgery at East Stratton near Micheldever to hear local views.

New Police and crime Commissioner Donna Jones speaking to the public at East Stratton surgery yesterday evening. Photo: PCC

The PCC tweeted: "Fantastic turnout at tonight’s beat surgery in East Stratton, where trap racing along the A33 was a key topic. The PCC talked to lots of people from the local community and reassured them that a comprehensive plan is in place for future events."

Also at the event was MP Steve Brine and local city councillors Caroline Horrill and Patrick Cunningham.

Mr Brine, writing in Itchen Valley News parish magazine, said the event planned for June 19 had been escalated to a Public Order Safety Event.

He added: "I will be leading the calls from constituents, coordinating your elected representatives at all levels, to meet these plans with a show of strength that makes it very clear the A33 is not a race track and we do not want this here."

As reported in the Chronicle Ms Jones called the blocking of the A33 "wholly unacceptable" and will not tolerate a repeat.

Travellers in pony and traps are common sights on country roads but the May 1-2 event was the first time they have held such a large event on the A33.

Today a police spokeswoman said: "There is a policing operation in place, however no further details will be released at this time for operational purposes."