A local association is rallying support for its petition against Hampshire County Council's plans to close Andover Road.

The Kings Barton Residents' Association (KBRA) claims the closure has no precedent in UK history.

Never – say the group – has a main road been permanently diverted through a housing estate in this country.

The KBRA also says that the Secretary of State has acknowledged that the residents of Kings Barton have good reasons for wanting the road to stay open.

READ MORE: Letter: 'The closing of Andover Road will be ludicrous'

The proposed plans for Andover Road  (Image: Winchester City Council)

The council intends to turn the road into a thoroughfare for cyclists and pedestrians.

It has come to light that traffic will be diverted onto Winchester Road as early as January 2026.

The KBRA laments the council's refusal to reconsider the plans and says that it is completely inappropriate to re-route a heavy flow of traffic through a densely populated area.

The group says the diversion will cause increases in traffic accidents, noise and pollution in the neighbourhood.

SEE MORE: Future of Andover Road closure in doubt

There will also be an increase in delays, according to the KBRA, which will slow those heading north out of the city towards the A34.

Those living in Harestock, Weeke and the Worthys are also likely to suffer delays, say the group.

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “Planning permission for the Kings Barton development was granted in 2012 by the Secretary of State following an appeal by CALA Homes.

"The permission included the re-routing of traffic that currently uses Andover Road through the development site and the closure of Andover Road to traffic. The county council, as the local highway authority, has no legal powers to reverse this planning decision.”

For information about the petition and to sign, visit kingsbartonra.org.uk/petition.